Sarcophyton | |
---|---|
| |
S. glaucum (tentacles withdrawn) | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
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]
The following species currently are classified in the genus Sarcophyton: [2]