Life History & Behaviour
Feeding:
The Cladiella pachyclados contains symbiotic algae zooxanthellae in its tissue which are photosynthetic. These zooxanthellae use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to produce sugars and other cellular materials which are then transfer to the coral (Fabricius & Alderslade 2001). In return, the coral provides a protected microhabitat for the algae to live in and unlimited nutrients and carbon dioxide resources. Therefore, high but not too excessive light intensity environment is very much needed in order for these coral colonies to grow. Besides that, the polyps that emerge from the branches of the colonies can trap tiny suspended food particles to feed on (McBirney & Brough nd). Flow rate of the water and food concentration is essential in affecting the nutrients intake and development in soft corals.
Movement:
C. pachyclados is a sessile species as it mainly attaches to rocks, boulders or any hard substrates and propagates.
Growth Rate:
According to studies done by Fabricius (1995), C. pachyclados found on the reef flats of Heron Island demonstrates a slow growth rate compared to other opportunistic and fast growing soft corals such as the Alcyonium siderium.
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