Smart move: Walking coral migrate with "neurological sophistication"
New research has found that the free-living mushroom coral can not only walk, but that it moves towards blue light with movements resembling those of jellyfish. A study from Queensland University of Technology has discovered that the free-living mushroom coral (Cycloseris cyclolites) can actively migrate toward light without relying on traditional movement mechanisms. Led by Dr. Brett Lewis and published in PLOS One, the research explores how these corals navigate their environment. Unlike most corals that remain attached to the substrate, some species are solitary and mobile, allowing them to seek out preferred habitats. This study sheds light on the previously little-known movement behaviors of these unique corals.
Researchers found that Cycloseris cyclolites, a free-living mushroom coral, moves using pulsed inflation, a rhythmic inflating and deflating process similar to jellyfish movement. High-resolution time-lapse imaging revealed that this mechanism helps the coral migrate toward optimal light conditions (phototaxis), self-right when flipped, and clear sediment after storms. The study suggests that this movement is not just for survival but a critical navigation tool, indicating a higher level of neurological sophistication in these corals than previously thought.
Researchers discovered that Cycloseris cyclolites strongly prefers blue light, with 86.7% moving toward blue light sources compared to just 20% for white light. This aligns with their preference for deeper water habitats, where blue wavelengths dominate, aiding in their migration for survival, reproduction, and dispersal. The study suggests a connection between coral movement mechanisms and jellyfish locomotion, linking to early nervous system evolution. Understanding these movement strategies could help predict how migratory corals adapt to climate change, as deeper migration may enhance their survival in response to rising sea temperatures. To learn more, please read Nane Steinhoff’s article in Oceanographic Magazine https://oceanographicmagazine.com/news/walking-coral-moves-like-jellyfish-new-study-finds/