Northern Star Coral

Northern star coral (Astrangia poculata)
Northern star coral (Astrangia poculata). Credit: Lailandra Caballero

This small coral is found from the Caribbean to as far north as Woods Hole, and also on the west coast of Africa. It grows in clumps on hard surfaces, like rocks, piers, and oyster shells, but does not form reefs. Like almost all corals, northern star coral houses symbiotic microorganisms called zooxanthellae inside its body. In return for this protection, these tiny creatures provide the coral with nutrients. They’re also responsible for its color.

Many corals kick out their zooxanthellae during stressful events like an increase in water temperature and can die if adverse conditions continue—this is known as coral bleaching and is one of the reasons corals are at risk from climate change. Northern star coral, however, thrives even after bleaching.

Scientific Name: Astrangia poculata

Type: Coral
Habitat: Shallow water on hard surfaces like rocks, piers, and shells
Range: Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean to Woods Hole and also on the West Coast of Africa
Life Span in the Wild: Unknown
Size: Grows in small clumps from 2 – 6 inches across, with some larger colonies
Diet: Zooxanthellae
Status: Species of least concern

Credit: MBL/ BioQuest Studios
Northern Star Coral and the Ůֱ

Cape Cod’s only native shallow-water hard coral, Astrangia poculata is studied by MBLscientists to better understand the role of symbionts and temperature in coral skeleton formation. Researchers in the Ůֱ’s Roberson Lab are also interested in how these corals can withstand a wide range of temperatures when most tropical corals are stressed by only a few degrees temperature change. Because of their clear tissues, they are also used to image critical events like bleaching to elucidate the actual mechanism of the process as well as associated changes in physiology or biochemistry.

Learn more about the Roberson Lab Learn more about the New Model Organisms Strategic Initiative at the Ůֱ
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