Zooxanthellae

This is a eukaryotic single celled organism. Zooxanthellae lives in many marine invertebrates including coral. In a coral community zooxanthella is very important as it is what turns the water into the oxygen and nutrients the coral needs to survive. This is known as a symbiotic relationship, as it also is contributing to the coral’s vibrant colors. Without the zooxanthellae the corals health will begin to decline, and this eventually leads to coral bleaching. The health of the zooxanthellae and the coral is greatly affected by global warming. Bleaching occurs when the coral expels out the algae. As the temperatures of the ocean rise the less and less, we will find these single celled organism/algae.