All species are zooxanthellate, that is, they contain symbiotic, single-celled photosynthetic dinoflagellates that live in the tissues and provide the coral with nutrients produced by photosynthesis during the day. At night, the tentacles of the polyps expand and capture zooplankton.
All species are zooxanthellate, meaning they harbor symbiotic, single-celled photosynthetic dinoflagellates that reside within their tissues and provide the coral with nutrients generated by photosynthesis during daylight hours. At night, the tentacles of the polyps extend to capture zooplankton.