Flora:Coractus

Description
Coracti are an aquatic plant species that is the fundamental part of the tropical reef system. The coracti grow in water anywhere from 20-40 meters. The plants begin life as small spores that resemble jellyfish. The bulb keeps the spores near the surface of the water where the sunlight is strongest, while the long tendrils reach down to the seafloor and attach to the rocks.

Once the coracti is firmly anchored, it begins a new stage of life. The tendrils bind together into thick rope-like root structures and form a tough skin while the bulb multiplies rapidly on the sea surface. The new bulb mass resembles green foam floating on the surface, which eventually flattens into serrated fronds that spread out from the main stalk. Coracti fronds are most numerous close to the surface, but sub-surface fronds are also present. Both the stalks and fronds are most valuable to the reefs by providing surface area for animals to make homes within. Niches between the thick roots are particularly valuable spaces for various species.

Coracti are particularly important in environmentally impoverished waters, paving the way for an eventually thriving ecosystem.