Zooxanthellae Collection

Picture No. 12479486
Fried egg jellyfish or Mediterranean jellyfish, Date:

13131094
Long-cirri Phyllodesmium Nudibranch with cerata - with digestive gland ducts connected to zooxanthellae - Muka Linggua dive site, Bangka Island, north Sulawesi, Indonesia

Picture No. 12479485
Fried egg jellyfish or Mediterranean jellyfish, Date:

Pink anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) with anemone showing the effects of bleaching. The bleached anemone is almost white

Clownfish swimming in bleached coral, Micronesia
A clownfish swimming in bleached coral; Yap, Federated States of Micronesia

Polyps of a Galaxea coral colony grow on a reef in Indonesia. This tropical region, within the Coral Triangle, is home to an incredible variety of marine life

A solar-powered nudibranch crawls across the seafloor
A solar-powered nudibranch (Phyllodesmium longicirrum) crawls across the seafloor of Indonesia. This species feeds on soft corals and has a symbiosis with zooxanthellae

Coral colonies are beginning to bleach on a reef in Indonesia. This beautiful region is known for its spectacular reefs and high marine biodiversity

Coral polyps wait for plankton on a reef
Coral polyps (Galaxea sp.) wait for plankton on a reef in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This beautiful area harbors extraordinary marine biodiversity and is a popular destination for divers

Corals are beginning to bleach on a reef in Indonesia. Bleaching occurs as corals expel their endosymbionts (zooxanthellae) living within their tissues

Detail of a large coral polyp in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical region in Indonesia is known for its spectacular coral reefs and high marine biodiversity

Picture No. 11072898
Fluted Giant Clam siphon and mantle detail with colours from symbiotic zooxanthellae Jiko Lemong dive site, Lembeh Straits, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Fluted Giant Clam

Picture No. 11072859
Fluted Giant Clam siphon and mantle with colors from symbiotic zooxanthellae Tatawa Besar dive site, between Komodo and Flores islands, Komodo National Park, Indonesia. Fluted Giant Clam

Cerianthus anemone, fluorescing
Cerianthus anenome fluorescing under blue or ultraviolet light at night. Photographed in Borneo, Malaysia

Bleached soft coral. The colour in the coral is lost due to the expulsion of symbiotic unicellular algae called zooxanthellae that live within its tissues

Bleached coral. The colour in the coral is lost due to the expulsion of symbiotic unicellular algae called zooxanthellae that live within its tissues

Giant clam mantle. Close-up of the mantle of a giant clam (Tridacna Tridacna gigas). The bright colours in the mantle come from symbiotic zooxanthellae (protozoa) in the tissue

Coral reef in the Blue Hole off Dahab in the Red Sea in Egypt. Like many areas of coral around the world they are
Ashley Cooper / SpecialistStock

Coral reef off Dahab in the Red Sea in Egypt. Like many areas of coral around the world they are increasinlgy
Ashley Cooper / SpecialistStock

Coral reef off Dahab in the Red Sea in Egypt showing signs of coral bleaching
Ashley Cooper / SpecialistStock

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Zooxanthellae: The Unsung Heroes of Coral Reefs In the vast expanse of our oceans, a microscopic organism plays a crucial role in maintaining the vibrant beauty of coral reefs. Meet zooxanthellae, the unsung heroes that provide shelter and sustenance to countless marine species. Picture No. 12479486 showcases an enchanting underwater scene where corals thrive with their colorful inhabitants. These corals owe their radiant hues to zooxanthellae, which form a symbiotic relationship with them. Through photosynthesis, these tiny algae convert sunlight into energy-rich compounds that nourish both themselves and their coral hosts. However, recent environmental challenges have put this delicate balance at risk. Picture No. 13131094 depicts a pink anemonefish swimming amidst bleached anemones – a stark reminder of the devastating effects of coral bleaching caused by rising sea temperatures and pollution. Micronesia's waters bear witness to this crisis as well, as seen in Picture No. 12479485 featuring clownfish navigating through bleached coral colonies. Without healthy zooxanthellae populations within their tissues, corals lose their vibrancy and become vulnerable to disease and death. Indonesia's reefs also face similar threats; Pictures No. 12479485 and No. 13131094 capture the alarming sight of once-vibrant corals beginning to bleach due to stressors like warming waters or pollution-induced nutrient imbalances. Nonetheless, hope remains on these fragile ecosystems' horizon as showcased in Picture No. 13131094 - polyps from Galaxea coral colonies continue growing despite surrounding signs of distress. Nature always finds ways to adapt; even amid adversity, life persists against all odds – exemplified by the solar-powered nudibranch crawling across the seafloor in Picture No. 12479486. As we witness Indonesia's reef struggle for survival (Pictures No. 12479485, No.