Confused over Plankton

[damsels]

Hi brothers,

I have some confusion after reading some articles on planktons. Hope to get some advices.

1) I understand that planktons basically can be categorised into 2 groups, phytoplankton (plants) and zooplankton (animal).

However, I also understand that most corals are carnivores... <--- correct?

2) If yes, they will usually fee on zooplanktons. In that cases, why is there the talk on culturing phytoplankton? Or is it corals will eat these too?

3) If yes, may I know what type of corals or even inverterbates will feed on phytoplanktons?

[RAV-65]

Bro, the zooplankton eats the phytoplanktons to grow...

Things dat feed on phyto : Clams, Seafans, Xmas trees worms on porities, gonioporas, leather corals... Dat's all I can tink for now..

[bawater]

In actual fact, there are 4 groups of plankton classification by size and 6 groups by organisms but we only need to look at phyto & zoo in our tanks (because we also have other things to do as well )

1) Not all corals are carnivores, it does depend on the corals you choose to keep.

Herbivorous corals need phytoplankton for sure to survive.(and is not an option NOT to feed) If you want to keep these corals for any length of time - you HAVE to provide for them.

2)Carnivore corals will feed on zooplankton, and yes some will also take up phytoplankton. Phyto has been found in the gut of even hard corals (studies done on porites & digita) but inconclusive that it was being digested.

Also the size of the zooplankton plays a major role - Maybe a bubble coral can catch a adult brineshrimp but a sps polyp sure can't. And a sps polyp can catch a rotifer......but not the bubble. Its like a zoo, you can't feed all the animals like tigers,elephants,penguins,parrots,polar bears dog food can you?.

3)Phytoplankton is a major food source for some soft corals, LPS,tube worms,sponges and gorgonians. It's not particularly useful for SPS corals, which are much more accepting of zooplankton.But Particle size matters.

Reseach/reading on individual coral needs is important if you want the coral to survive.

[Ancelot]

Phytoplankton... hmm... this part i do not agree to much extent.. phyto is good for zooplankton which sps feeds on but for softies i dont think they need to feed on phyto. But i feel that they can produce sufficient food for themselves.. by their own zooxanthelle...

[lightningstrike]

Phytoplankton... hmm... this part i do not agree to much extent.. phyto is good for zooplankton which sps feeds on but for softies i dont think they need to feed on phyto. But i feel that they can produce sufficient food for themselves.. by their own zooxanthelle...

Many soft corals feed on phytoplankton. the zooxanthellae they produce r insufficient to be fed on.

this article on Advance Aquarist's Online Magazine will provide u with all the in depth details.