Smooth brain coral

Coral photographed in shallow, well circulated lagoonal waters at Long Caye Island of the Lighthouse reef atoll. The brown color is the result of algae. The coral and algae exist in a symbiotic relationship. The algae, via photosynthesis provide energy for the coral, and aid in calcification. The algae benefit from a safe place to live and consume the polyp's carbon dioxide and nitrogenous waste.