Chalice coral (Echinophyllia tarae)
Close-up from the mouth region of the chalice coral (Echinophyllia tarae).
Surrounding the pink mouth, the coral tissue is enriched with lots of symbiotic microalgae (zooxanthellae), that use sunlight (photosynthesis) to produce energy for themselves as well as for the coral.
Location: Gambier Islands, French Polynesia. Pacific Ocean
Photo ID: IMG_7179-Edit
Author: Eric Roettinger
Eric Roettinger / Kahi Kai Images
Model Release: No
Property Release: No
Photo size: 21.0 Mpixels (60.2 MB uncompressed) - 5616x3744 pixels (18.7x12.5 in / 47.5x31.7 cm at 300 ppi)
Photo keywords: Anthozoan, Chalice coral, close up, cnidarian, coral, Echinophyllia tarae, Expedition, French Polynesia, Gambier Islands, mouth opening, portrait, sea creature, TARA oceans