Sarcophyton (coral)

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Sarcophyton
Sarcophyton glaucum at Shaab Angosh reef.JPG
S. glaucum (tentacles withdrawn)
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Subphylum: Anthozoa
Class: Octocorallia
Order: Malacalcyonacea
Family: Alcyoniidae
Genus: Sarcophyton
Lesson, 1834
Synonyms

Sarcophyton is a genus of soft corals in the family Alcyoniidae that are commonly kept in reef aquaria. Sarcophyton produces the toxic terpene macrolide sarcophytoxide which serves as an antifeedant and also provides advantage in competition with other corals as it reduces photosynthesis of the coral Acropora formosa 's endosymbionts. However, the false cowry Ovula ovum is a predator of Sarcophyton, with a probable ability to detoxify sarcophytoxide in its intestines. [1]

Species

The following species currently are classified in the genus Sarcophyton: [2]

References

  1. ↑ Spiteller, D. (2008). "Defense Strategies of Marine and Aquatic Organisms". Encyclopedia of Ecology. pp. 844–852. doi:10.1016/B978-008045405-4.00903-4. ISBN   978-0-08-045405-4.
  2. ↑ "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Sarcophyton Lesson, 1834". marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2018-04-11.


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