I read an article on this very topic some time ago. It was more to do with the resperation of the coral vrs the exchange of gas. It gave a very good example of how it works. Most creatures have specialised breathing such as our internal lungs and fish gills. Coral however have external polyps that intake the oxygen they need. Basicly it said it would be akin to having our lungs external and getting the flow of air brought in by the wind. On calm days you would find yourself wishing for gusts of air to fill yours lungs wile a blustery day keep them filled.
I will try and find it and post it here.
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