Back to Research Organisms Northern Star Coral Home Groundbreaking Research at the MBL Research Organisms Northern Star Coral Northern star coral (Astrangia poculata). Credit: Lailandra Caballero This small coral is found from the Caribbean to as far north as Woods Hole, and also on the west coast of Africa. It grows in clumps on hard surfaces, like rocks, piers, and oyster shells, but does not form reefs. Like almost all corals, northern star coral houses symbiotic microorganisms called zooxanthellae inside its body. In return for this protection, these tiny creatures provide the coral with nutrients. They’re also responsible for its color. Many corals kick out their zooxanthellae during stressful events like an increase in water temperature and can die if adverse conditions continue—this is known as coral bleaching and is one of the reasons corals are at risk from climate change. Northern star coral, however, thrives even after bleaching. Scientific Name: Astrangia poculata Type: CoralHabitat: Shallow water on hard surfaces like rocks, piers, and shellsRange: Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean to Woods Hole and also on the West Coast of AfricaLife Span in the Wild: UnknownSize: Grows in small clumps from 2 – 6 inches across, with some larger coloniesDiet: ZooxanthellaeStatus: Species of least concern Remote video URL Credit: MBL / BioQuest Studios Northern Star Coral and the MBL Cape Cod’s only native shallow-water hard coral, Astrangia poculata is studied by MBL scientists to better understand the role of symbionts and temperature in coral skeleton formation. Researchers in the MBL’s Roberson Lab are also interested in how these corals can withstand a wide range of temperatures when most tropical corals are stressed by only a few degrees temperature change. Because of their clear tissues, they are also used to image critical events like bleaching to elucidate the actual mechanism of the process as well as associated changes in physiology or biochemistry. Learn more about the Roberson Lab Learn more about the New Model Organisms Strategic Initiative at the MBL Coral News at the MBL Cape Cod’s Coral Gardens (Yes, We Have Corals Here) Are in Trouble | The Provincetown Independent July 29, 2024 Mutually Beneficial: MBL Launches Research-Based Course on Symbiosis June 9, 2023 Whaling Museum Apprenticeship Students Get Crash Course on Corals March 4, 2022 Love, Loss, Survival: Sculptor Renders the Beauty, Fragility of Coral Reefs on the Edge October 14, 2021
Cape Cod’s Coral Gardens (Yes, We Have Corals Here) Are in Trouble | The Provincetown Independent July 29, 2024
Love, Loss, Survival: Sculptor Renders the Beauty, Fragility of Coral Reefs on the Edge October 14, 2021