Cape Cod “coral” is a fragile, very light weight & crumbles if dropped on hard surface. I find these unique chunks in Cape Cod Bay along many other shells. “Corals bleach or turn white when microscopic algae called zooxanthellaewhich are dinoflagellates that live within the coral flee their coral home, due to some sort of stress such as water temperature changes, light changes or debris & sediment buildup. The corals have a give-and-take relationship with these tiny inhabitants, which are symbionts. The zooxanthellae give the coral their bright colors & make food for the coral through photosynthesis in exchange for a place to live. Scientists have also identified other microscopic coral residents: bacteria. 1 Cape Cod “Coral”. Unusual Bay “Coral” Cape’s Local Coral, Astrangia Poculata
