Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce Search this
Type:
YouTube Videos
Uploaded:
2011-04-29T14:59:40.000Z
Views:
1,936
Video Title:
Umbrella Coral (Xenia sp.)
Description:
Umbrella corals pulse rhythmically during respiration and feeding, mimicking the swimming motion of a jellyfish in open water. The pumping of coral polyps is often misinterpreted as planktonic prey capture, but Xenia actually trap dissolved organic compounds in their mucous nets. These corals are called Xenia (Greek for "hospitality") because the pulsing resembles many hands waving hello. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/SmithsonianSMS