Chrysophyta coexists with coral and lives in the endoderm of coral. In the sun, zooxanthellae quickly absorbs carbon dioxide and other coral excreta, obtains nutrition through photosynthesis, and releases metabolites-fresh oxygen and carbohydrates, providing continuous nutrition for corals.

Most zooxanthellae are autotrophs, which will provide the host with reduced translocation of carbides, such as glucose, glycerol, amino acids and other photosynthetic products. Insect yellow algae can provide up to 90% energy demand for coral reefs.