Herpolitha
| Herpolitha limax | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Hexacorallia |
| Order: | Scleractinia |
| Family: | Fungiidae |
| Genus: | Herpolitha Eschscholtz, 1825[3] |
| Species: | H. limax
|
| Binomial name | |
| Herpolitha limax | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
|
List (Genus)
(Species)
| |
Herpolithais a monotypicgenusof mushroomcoralsin thefamilyFungiidae.The only member of the genus isHerpolitha limax,commonly known as thetongue,slipper,moleorstriate boomerang coral.It is a free-living species and is native to reefs and lagoons in theIndo-Pacificregion. TheInternational Union for Conservation of Naturehas assessed this coral as being of "least concern".
Description
[edit]Herpolitha limaxhas an elongated structure with somewhat rounded ends and a single, central, axial furrow that extends nearly from end to end. In the furrow are many conspicuous slit-like mouths and there are irregularly spaced, less-distinct mouths elsewhere. The primaryseptaare densely-toothed with fine spines and do not reach the edge of the colony. Thecostaeare low with crowded, obtuse teeth. Sometimes the furrow is forked and forms a "Y" shape, a "T" shape, or even an "X" shape. This coral can grow to a length of 45 cm (18 in) or more and is usually some shade of grey, brown or greenish-brown.[4][5]
Distribution
[edit]Herpolitha limaxis native to the Indo-Pacific region, its range extending from East Africa and the Red Sea to Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the South Central Pacific. It is found on reef slopes and in lagoons, often in close proximity toFungiaspp.[4]at depths down to about 30 metres (98 ft).[1]
Ecology
[edit]Herpolitha limaxis a colonial, free-living,zooxanthellatespecies of coral.[6]Under stressful conditions it is susceptible tobleachingand corals appear white after expelling their symbionts. In a period of high water temperature in Thailand in June 2010, bleaching was common and 52% of the corals of this species were affected, along with many other species of mushroom coral. By the following February, they seemed to have recovered with no trace of thermal-induced bleaching being present, and the species composition being similar to that before the bleaching event.[7]
Status
[edit]Herpolitha limaxhas a very wide range and is a common species in suitable habitats. The population trend is unknown but this coral is harvested for thereef aquariumtrade, over 2,000 pieces being collected in 2005. Corals face threats associated withclimate changebut theInternational Union for Conservation of Naturehas assessed the conservation status of this species as being of "least concern".[1]
References
[edit]- ^abcHoeksema, B.W.; Rogers, A.; Quibilan, M.C. (2014)."Herpolitha limax".IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.2014:e.T133538A54279805.doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T133538A54279805.en.Retrieved19 November2021.
- ^abHoeksema, Bert (2015)."Herpolitha limax(Esper, 1797) ".WoRMS.World Register of Marine Species.Retrieved2015-04-29.
- ^Hoeksema, Bert (2015)."HerpolithaEschscholtz, 1825 ".WoRMS.World Register of Marine Species.Retrieved2015-04-29.
- ^ab"Herpolitha limax".Australian Institute of Marine Science. 2013. Archived fromthe originalon 2015-03-12.Retrieved2015-04-29.
- ^Sprung, Julian (1999).Corals: A quick reference guide.Ricordea Publishing. p. 57.ISBN1-883693-09-8.
- ^Veron, J.E.N (1986).Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific.350: Angus & Robertson Publishing.
{{cite book}}:CS1 maint: location (link) - ^Hoeksema, B.W.; Matthews, J.L.; Yeemin, T. (2012)."The 2010 coral bleaching event and its impact on the mushroom coral fauna of Koh Tao, western Gulf of Thailand".Phuket Mar. Biol. Cent. Res. Bull.71:71–81.
