Polyps
Polyps only have one opening: their mouth.
They rely on their tentacles with nematocysts (stinging cells) for defense, and to capture food, pulling it into its thin mouth.
Exploring the underbelly
Once they pull their food, such as algae, plankton, small fish, and everything in-between, into their mouth, it enters their large stomach, which comprises most of their tiny, soft bodies.
Callicles
The coral polyps then secrete a calcium carbonate, building themselves a cup-like limestone skeleton to root and rest in throughout their lives.
They Can’t Do It Alone…
Coenosarc
Coral polyps can’t live or survive on their own.
Instead, they share.
They’re givers, they’re connected, and they work in colonies.
Connective tissue called coenosarc allows them to share nutrients with the other polyps in their colony.
These tiny polyps then work together, slowly secreting their calcium carbonate skeleton, and building the coral reefs we see today.