how do corals know?

[ari5736]

I had a coral nipping fish in my tank that I removed, and coral polyps that used to stay closed now come out during light hours. Anyone have an explanation for how this happens. Corals don't have brains, how do they learn, so to speak, whether to stay open or closed. That is I can understand that the coral can reacts to stimulus (light, nips, etc...) , but how do they remember whether that stimulus is there or not.

 

[ming]

You sorta answered your own question

there is no stimulus to keep them closed (the nipping) so they come out

 

[noelskii]

duh

 

[ari5736]

so how do they remember to stay closed? Fine there is a stimulus which makes them react. How do they remember that such a stimulus is lurking out there to the point they do not come out.

 

[ming]

They don't need to remember if the stimulus is still there

 

[ari5736]

But I have a big tank, with plenty of corals, and it was a dwarf angel nipper. The angel could not possibly be nipping each coral enough so as to provide a constant stimulus. There seems to be some type of memory at play.

 

[ming]

But I have a big tank, with plenty of corals, and it was a dwarf angel nipper. The angel could not possibly be nipping each coral enough so as to provide a constant stimulus. There seems to be some type of memory at play.

Yes the angel can

 

[House of Laughter]

But I have a big tank, with plenty of corals, and it was a dwarf angel nipper. The angel could not possibly be nipping each coral enough so as to provide a constant stimulus. There seems to be some type of memory at play.

you'd be surprised how much they nip

polyps are a feeding source - if compromised, it will retract - and open upon necessity - I believe it is similar to involuntary muscles whose purpose it is to work and not be told to work (by the brain)

House

 

[ari5736]

Ahhh, interesting comparison. Hope all is well Russ, have a nice Mem. day weekend.

 

[masterswimmer]

Ahhh, interesting comparison. Hope all is well Russ, have a nice Mem. day weekend.

Thanks Ari, you too. But like a few others, I'm Russ house is Jim.

You can call me Ray
You can call me Jay
Just don't call me late for dinner.

Russ