Is a Coral a Predator, a Producer, or Both? | California Academy of Sciences

Shrink to the size of a coral polyp to see how corals acquire energy. Like all animals, coral polyps eat. They capture prey using microscopic hooks released from their tentacles. But most of the coral’s energy comes from algae known as zooxanthellae which reside in the polyp’s tissue, converting sunlight into energy-rich sugars that corals can absorb for fuel. Find more free educational resources at - - - The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution dedicated to exploring, explaining, and sustaining life on Earth. Based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, it’s the only place in the world to house an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum—plus cutting-edge research programs—all under one living roof. Connect with us: • Facebook: • Twitter: • Instagram: • Snapchat: • Tumblr: