The classification, diversity and ecology of shallow water Octocorals
Lau, Y.W.; Poliseno, A.; Kushida, Y.; Quéré, G.; Reimer, J.D. (2020). The classification, diversity and ecology of shallow water Octocorals, in: Goldstein, M.I. et al. Encyclopedia of the world's biomes. pp. 597-611. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-409548-9.12109-8
In: Goldstein, M.I.; DellaSala, D.A. (2020). Encyclopedia of the world's biomes. Elsevier: Amsterdam. ISBN 978-0-12-816097-8. 5 volumes pp., more
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| Keywords |
Biodiversity
Classification > Taxonomy
Interspecific relationships > Symbiosis
Systematics
Octocorallia [WoRMS]
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| Author keywords |
Gorgonians; Molecular phylogenetics; Sea pens; Soft corals; |
| Authors | | Top |
- Lau, Y.W.
- Poliseno, A.
- Kushida, Y.
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| Abstract |
Shallow water tropical and subtropical coral reef communities are among the most species rich habitats of the world. Among these coral reefs, octocorals are common members of invertebrate reef fauna. The ecological importance of octocorals can be seen through their use as microhabitats by marine vertebrates and invertebrates (e.g., shrimp, fish, ovulids); acting as important spawning, nursery, breeding and feeding areas for a variety of other organisms, and additionally providing refuge from predators. Therefore, their three-dimensional structures contribute to the structural complexity and biodiversity of reefs, facilitating niche diversification, and speciation. Despite their importance to reef ecology and biodiversity, octocorals have received relatively little attention, compared to other anthozoan groups such as scleractinian corals, and thus remain a poorly known and little-studied group. However, as their abundances increase due to the decline of scleractinian corals worldwide, octocorals are likely to play a growing role in future reefs. The purpose of this review is thus to gather existing knowledge on their biology, ecology and societal importance in order to provide a comprehensive information source for future research efforts. |
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