The Black Torch Coral (also known as the “Eunectona Simplex”), also known as the Blue Star Corallina, is a member of the family of coral species in the phylum strata. It is part of a small group of corals known as cormorants. Unlike other corals that grow leaves, this particular coral grows a variety of fleshy sponges that can grow on its tentacles. It is one of two members of the family that have a spongy tissue known as a “stratulus”.
This family of corals are found in the waters surrounding Australia, notably around Sheppey, New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Great Barrier Reef. The Euphyllia Torch Coral belongs to the class of sponges. It is classed by many marine scientists as an oceanic polyp with long and broad polyps that are visible during the daytime and nighttime, with the majority of the material lying on the surface at all times. Its scientific name, according to recent research, is a combination of two words: epoxy (from the Greek words’ epoca, meaning “on a flat surface”) and torpex (an older form of the word).
Because of its unique features, the black torch coral is often referred to as a “tea ball” coral. It is encircled by a band of white polyps that run along its length, just below the tentacles. These white sponges grow wider towards the base of the tentacle. They are surrounded by black “tea balls” up to the tips of the tentacles that reach up to several centimetres in width. These sponges contain a type of symbiotic algae that are used by the black torch coral for colour and growth.
As it grows, the tentacles spread out wide and spread out wider, engulfing the algae in their process of growth. At this stage of development, the tentacles reach a size of about three times the length of the largest polyps in the reef. This makes them easily accessible, even by humans, who do not need a boat to go near them. This is because the tentacles can simply be swam through.
In order for the black to black coral to grow, as well as thrive, it must have access to a lot of lighting. Just like the black sunflower, corals need light in the blue spectrum, or very near. It is through the black torch that scientists are able to distinguish between the different species of coral and the different types of light that they use. This is also what allows them to distinguish between species that inhabit the same waters.
The best way to observe a black torch coral growing is from the water, because you can’t really tell what colour it is just by looking at it swimming by. If you do see tentacles and a black spot on its back, then you are likely viewing a member of the genus Epitrella. Within the family Acropora, there are five different subspecies, but only two of them are classified as black corals – the black torch coral E. autopoleonii and the black snapper, E. setacae.
The black snapper has a reputation for being the strongest of all the coral species in the world. This is due to its ability to form sturdy colonies that can resist powerful predators such as birds and sharks. If you go snorkelling off the South Island of New Zealand and look towards the southern tip, you will find the black snapper. Unlike most corals, these creatures live in small, tight groups that often stick together even if they are closely neighbors. They use their tentacles to grasp onto pieces of plankton, as well as their own body to hang on to. When a predator gets too close, the tentacles retract, allowing the corals to squeeze its bodies into a knot of tentacles that cannot be taken down.
Although black corals have been the mystery of the world for many years, recent scientific research has revealed that there are more species than previously thought. There are over 20 new species of black corals, and there is hope that they will soon be able to make themselves known once again. With the rise of global warming, it may take a few years, but the black torch coral will once again become the center of attention.
