What Is Bamboo Coral?

Bamboo coral features a similar striped design to bamboo.

Bamboo coral is a type of coral found in the waters off the coast of Alaska. Compared to other coral species, there is very little known about bamboo coral. It is aptly named for its coloration and resemblance to bamboo plants. This type of coral provides an important refuge for animal species living the in Alaskan seamount. The skeleton can also be polished, dyed and used in coral jewelry.

Coral

According to a website published by Professor Barbara Smigel of the College of Southern Nevada, corals are small, living creatures which colonize together in the water. The small creatures feed by filtering food from the water that passes through them. They form large skeletal structures from calcium carbonate or protein.

Description

Bamboo coral drives its name from its calcium carbonate structures, according to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's website. Bamboo coral belongs to a family of coral known as Family Isididae. It is known for its white, branching skeletal structure. The calcium carbonate skeleton is broken up by brown or black striations. The living coral flesh is an octo-coral, having eight small tentacles and generally a reddish-orange color.

Lifespan

According to the Ocean Explorer website published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), bamboo corals can survive for centuries. The coral's skeleton features a "roadmap" of past oceanic conditions, allowing scientists to date the coral.

Animal Refuge

NOAA's research on bamboo corals has also determined that these corals play an important role in the waters off of Alaska. The seamounts off of Alaska are generally barren, with few areas to provide a habitat for the crabs or fish larvae that live in these waters. Bamboo corals provide a necessary home for these animals and may help improve their survival rates.

Skeleton Uses

According to Barbara Smigel's website, bamboo coral skeletons have been harvested for jewelry-making purposes. Bamboo coral is known for its interesting black and white coloration, making it an interesting color for beads. It can also be dyed into various other colors.

References

• NOAA: Ocean Explorer: What Species is a Bamboo Coral?
• College of Southern Nevada: Professor Barbara Smigel, PhD, GG: Coral
• University of Louisiana-Lafayette: Family Isididae (Bamboo corals)