A gorgonian coral (Rumphella aggregata: 100 cms. tall) exhibiting the tree-like features of this genus. There is a central 'chord', similar to the trunk of a tree, from which many branches grow in various directions. Each branch is covered with a layer - like tree bark - on raised areas of which there are many thousands of coral polyps, feeding on passing micro-plankton. As with most corals, marine algae called zooxanthellae grow symbiotically in the tissues of the polyps, providing sugars for them by means of photosynthesis, in exchange for a safe place in which to live. Near Hurghada, Egypt.

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Size: 3903px × 2731px
Location: Near Hurghada, Egypt
Photo credit: © Terence Dormer / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

Keywords: adventure, aggregata, bushy, coral, creation, diving, egypt, gorgonian, hurghada, life, marine, natural, photosynthesis, red, reef, rumphella, scuba, sea, selection, symbiosis, trd5143, tree, underwater, zooxanthellae