MILLEPORIDAE Meaning and
Definition
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Milleporidae, commonly known as fire coral, is a family of small colonial marine organisms belonging to the order Hydrozoa. These organisms form calcium carbonate skeletons that resemble coral, hence their colloquial name. They are found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world, typically in shallow waters, and are known for their sharp, stinging cells that can cause intense pain if touched.
Fire corals have a distinct branching or encrusting growth form, with interconnected polyps forming a lacy, fragile structure. The individual polyps are tiny and bear stinging tentacles, which they use both for feeding on plankton and for defense against potential predators. The name "fire coral" derives from the burning sensation that occurs when human skin comes into contact with their stinging cells.
Although they resemble true corals, milleporids are actually hydrozoans, a type of cnidarian that also includes jellyfish and sea anemones. Unlike most other hydrozoans, fire corals can create a hard external skeleton made of calcium carbonate, giving them a more coral-like appearance. This skeleton provides support and protection for the colony and enables it to form reef-like structures and compete with true corals for space on the seafloor.
Due to their sharp stinging cells and the potential harm they can cause to humans, fire corals are considered a hazard to divers and snorkelers. Contact with their tentacles can result in a painful rash that may last for several hours or even days. Special care and caution are essential when navigating underwater environments where fire corals are present to avoid unnecessary injury.
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In geol., a genus and family of branching corals, whose cells or pores are extremely numerous and minute.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MILLEPORIDAE
- nilleporidae
- killeporidae
- jilleporidae
- mulleporidae
- mjlleporidae
- mklleporidae
- molleporidae
- m9lleporidae
- m8lleporidae
- mikleporidae
- mipleporidae
- mioleporidae
- milkeporidae
- milpeporidae
- miloeporidae
- millwporidae
- millsporidae
- milldporidae
- millrporidae
- mill4poridae
Etymology of MILLEPORIDAE
The word Milleporidae is derived from the Latin word millepore, which means thousand pore. The term refers to a family of marine organisms known as fire corals, which have numerous small openings on their surface where their stinging cells are located. The suffix -idae is a common taxonomic ending used to denote a family in scientific classification. Therefore, Milleporidae literally translates to family of thousand pores.
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