Why do acros slime?

[KGV]

The two contrasting answers seem to be: Stress response or feeding response. What is your opinion? And can we take it a step further? It doesn’t seem to make sense to feed like that because those slime strands just get blow off and get lost.

 

[homer1475]

I think it's more of a defense mechanism.

Think of it this way......
At low tide, corals, especially across, get uncovered, they slime up to protect themselves from drying out.

 

[ScottB]

I've always considered it a defense posture. That said, true slimers constantly keep a slime coat.

 

[Cory]

Its protective and food. They use the slime to actively culture and trap bacteria in which they eat. It also acts as a lubricant to water currents.

 

[ScottB]

Its protective and food. They use the slime to actively culture and trap bacteria in which they eat. It also acts as a lubricant to water currents.

I like this theory. Links to any research that supports it? I repeat that I find it appealing, but is always good to have some science to support it.

I "feel" like it is a specie specific behavior. My WD tenuis does not slime but grows like mad. My slimers, well it goes without saying. And they grow like mad X 2. But I have many acropora that live relatively "dry".

 

[Uncle99]

It’s both depending on species.

 

[Goaway]

I just went threw this event. My snails were spawning and eggs were floating everywhere. Green slimer didnt care. My other acro had these long strings protruding from the polyps. Some detached, others returned to normal after a few hours.


No idea if it was to feed or protect itself.

 

[Cory]

I like this theory. Links to any research that supports it? I repeat that I find it appealing, but is always good to have some science to support it.

I "feel" like it is a specie specific behavior. My WD tenuis does not slime but grows like mad. My slimers, well it goes without saying. And they grow like mad X 2. But I have many acropora that live relatively "dry".

Its actually science. Ive read some papers that state it. Cant remember the names however. Eric Borneman, the food of reefs is a start.

 

[KGV]

I just went threw this event. My snails were spawning and eggs were floating everywhere. Green slimer didnt care. My other acro had these long strings protruding from the polyps. Some detached, others returned to normal after a few hours.


No idea if it was to feed or protect itself.

That’s what started this thread; my trochus snails spawned and some coral responded as in my picture posted above.

 

[KGV]

Its actually science. Ive read some papers that state it. Cant remember the names however. Eric Borneman, the food of reefs is a start.

I will try to track this down in the literature!

 

[dennis romano]

I just saw this on a tv show last night. At low tide, the acros are exposed to air. The slime keeps them wet and also acts as sunscreen so that they don't get burned by the sun.