Zooxanteller

Zooxanthellae is a colloquial term for single-celled dinoflagellate algae that live symbiotically within the tissues of many marine invertebrates, most famously corals. These algae possess chlorophyll and other pigments, allowing them to photosynthesize. The symbiotic relationship is mutually beneficial. The zooxanthellae receive a protected environment and compounds from the host's metabolism, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogenous waste. In return, the algae provide the host with a significant portion of its energy requirements through photosynthesis, often supplying up to 90% of the coral's nutritional needs. This energy transfer fuels the host's growth and calcification processes. Zooxanthellae are crucial for the survival and vibrant coloration of reef-building corals. The expulsion of zooxanthellae from coral tissues, known as coral bleaching, occurs when the symbiotic relationship breaks down, usually due to environmental stressors like elevated water temperatures or pollution. This loss of algae leaves the coral pale and vulnerable, potentially leading to starvation and death if the conditions do not improve. Different species of corals host different types of zooxanthellae, and the specific algae present can influence the coral's susceptibility to bleaching and its overall health.