And I think for that reason is why you can witness your corals fuse together and not outright kill each other. And some species may be better with dealing with such an exchange as the hosts themselves may be capable of hosting the new incoming zoox. Some not so much and just won't happen. If the two hosts both singly meet all those somewhat perfect requirements for being able to host additional zoox as well as being able to host or at the very least tolerate the exact species of zoox within the opposite host they will come in contact with, then it seems as though they may certainly be able to form some sort of relationship. And some may indeed benefit each other by such. One may be better predisposed at nutrient intake during the winter months and the other during the summer, and the second one on its own intake in the winter may come to a halt. If such a relationship has been created one may be able to intake nutrient from the other, and vise versa. So nutrient can be somewhat shared year around between the two allowing year around growth etc for one or both. It seems to be very dependant on the exact species of host as well as harborer and allot of perfects need to fall into place in order for it to happen. Which is why most would probably not be capable to host the zoox species contained within there neighbour as the species at both levels are more then likely species specific. But again, there is nothing new created. No new species, hybrid, morph etc. Just two corals that have met all the requirements to tolerate its neighbour and it's harborers. If you took a frag with equal parts from both you would inevitably be left with the dominant host/zoox. Not a hybrid a both. Colour intake, losses the same. I think we need some biologist to chime in. Lol. Cuz I'm far from qualified to answer with any real certainty. Lol. And would love to hear some more input as well as it is an interesting topic.
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03-03-2014, 05:22 PM
Hybrid Mode
