Not exactly sure how the zooxanthallae works

[JCnflies]

I'm a little confused as to how exactly these guys work. I know they give food to the coral in a mutualistic relationship. And I know they are contained in the polyps. But what about my new chalice coral. Supposedly, the polyps come out at night to feed and I sure can't see any open during the day (yet - only got them 2 days ago). Hopw doe the little dinoflagellate friends work for a coral like the chalice that has similar behavior?

 

[billsreef]

The zoox are not only contained in the polyps, but also the rest of corals tissues. So even when the polyps aren't extended, there are coral tissues with zoox that are exposed to light

 

[JCnflies]

THx............... That makes life a bit easier

 

[Spracklcat]

Also, the zooxanthellae do their part by using photosynthesis, not by "eating", so they are busy during lights-on