Ecology
E. quadricolor can exist in two morphologies, small and colonial or large and solitary. Each has a different ecology associated with being found generally on the reef crest and reef slope respectively. Each plays an important role within the wider ecosystem as a host for symbiotic fish, shrimps and a range of zooxanthellae algae species. These symbioses are mutualistic with the life history, trophic strategy, behaviour and even survival if E. quadricolor influenced by the presence of symbionts (Fautin et al 1995, Schwarck 1999).
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