Many Neighbors Make Better Corals

[Grey Guy]

I have a postulation to make, based on years of observation. 1. That a coral sitting by itself in the middle of the tank, has no competition and no reason to fight for its survival. 2. That when corals become crowded or their territory is encroached on they are stimulated to fight for their own domination. 3. That the struggle to overcome other corals in the area, plays a significant role in the growth and health of the dominant coral.

What do you think?

 

[Scorpius]

I've noticed that some Acropora observe each others borders like nice little well behaved children while others liquefy their neighbors gleefully.

 

[Grey Guy]

They seem to sense what' around them don't they?

 

[drama1993]

Interesting observations

 

[Grey Guy]

Why do the people with the most corals, seem to have the best corals? Many want to see a tank with just a few very large heads in them, or a tank dedicated to just a few species, that can grow very large. Why is this so seldom (if ever) seen?

 

[gig 'em]

Corals can definitely sense each other around. That's an interesting idea though that close proximity of competitors would trigger a faster growth rate if the environmental conditions permit. Sounds like a good study to conduct! [emoji16]