Red hydrocorals, despite their appearance similar to a plant or rock, are marine animals that remain immobile throughout their lives. Recently, colonies of a species called Errina antarctica were found in the Strait of Magellan, in southern Chile. This discovery is particularly significant because it was located in a more southern and shallower area than any other previously recorded.
In the Kawésqar National Reserve, a marine protected area over 3,000 kilometers from Santiago, extensive marine forests of Errina antarctica were identified. These colonies are the most southern and shallowest ones known so far. Experts emphasize the importance of protecting them due to their vulnerability to climate change.
This is how red hydrocorals look. Photo: Mongabay Latam.
What sets hydrocorals apart from corals?
Corals, although tiny, form impressive communities visible even from space, according to marine biologist Ximena Escovar-Padul, from the NGO Seacology. These organisms, called polyps, adhere to the seabed throughout their lives.
On the other hand, hydrocorals have a unique characteristic: their life cycle includes two phases. During the polyp phase, they remain attached to the seabed, while in their medusa phase, they take on a gelatinous form and float in the water column, explains Mathias Hüne, director of the Marine Program at Rewilding Chile.
This difference led to classifying corals in the group of Anthozoa, along with sea anemones, while hydrocorals belong to the group of Hydrozoa. For this reason, the colonies of Errina antarctica in the Kawésqar Reserve are not considered coral reefs, but marine forests of animals (MFA).
Organization and specialization
According to Ana de la Torriente, a researcher at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography and lead author of the study, hydrocorals stand out for their specialization within the colonies. “In Errina antarctica, some individuals are responsible for capturing plankton, while others are dedicated to reproduction, dividing the work efficiently,” she states.
The discovery of these marine forests not only expands our knowledge of biodiversity in the region, but also emphasizes the urgent need to preserve these fragile ecosystems against global threats.
Red hydrocorals. Photo: Mongabay Latam.
Where are red hydrocorals found?
Red hydrocorals are found in the Strait of Magellan, in the Kawésqar National Reserve, in Chile. This discovery was made by researchers from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography and the Rewilding Chile foundation.
These hydrocorals are small organisms that group together to form three-dimensional structures, known as Marine Forests of Animals (MFA). In these spaces, other animals feed, reproduce, and seek shelter. However, these hydrocorals are in a vulnerable conservation status due to ocean pollution, climate change, and salmon farming.
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