Can Zooxanthellae Survive Without Coral?

Zooxanthellae are the symbiotic algae that live within the hard or stony corals. ... Corals are completely dependent on the symbiotic algae. They would not be able to survive without them since they can't produce sufficient amounts of food.

How does zooxanthellae benefit from coral?

Zooxanthellae cells provide corals with pigmentation. ... They help the coral survive by providing it with food resulting from photosynthesis. In turn, the coral polyps provide the cells with a protected environment and the nutrients they need to carry out photosynthesis.

What happens to zooxanthellae When coral dies?

When water is too warm, corals will expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white. This is called coral bleaching. ... In 2005, the U.S. lost half of its coral reefs in the Caribbean in one year due to a massive bleaching event.