Glossary

calcareous

Composed of, containing, or characteristic of calcium carbonate, calcium, or limestone; chalky.

Used in 2 species profiles

coral
Any marine animal of the class Anthozoa, these being characterised by possessing a horny or calcareous skeleton, aggregations of which form coral reefs and islands.
coral reef
Erosion-resistant aquatic structure formed from living corals, their rock-like skeletal secretions and calcium carbonate deposits from other organisms such as calcareous algae, molluscs, and protozoans.
coral sand
Sand originating from marine environments via bioerosion of the calcareous skeletal structures possessed by some organisms. Coral is not the chief constituent, however, with the majority of material deriving from foraminifera, calcareous algae, molluscs, and crustaceans.
coralline algae
Any red algae of the order Corallinales, characterised by possession of a hard thallus containing calcareous deposits. Often pink, purple or red in colour.
otolith
Calcareous structures contained within the inner ear of most fishes, functioning to provide a sense of balance in a similar way to the inner ear in humans, as well as aiding in hearing. Also known as ear bones, ear stones or statoliths. Accumulate layers of calcium carbonate and gelatinous matrix as a fish ages, these forming structures comparable to tree rings which can be used to ascertain the age of an individual, even to the precise day.