Biology:Plexaurella

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Short description: Genus of corals

Plexaurella
Elephant-ear-sponge.jpg
Coral reef assembly with Plexaurella nutans at right back
Scientific classification e
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Octocorallia
Order: Alcyonacea
Family: Plexauridae
Genus: Plexaurella
Kölliker, 1865 [1]
Species
See text

Plexaurella is a genus of gorgonian-type octocorals in the family Plexauridae. Species of the genus are typically characterised by their slit-pores, however, there are some which lack this distinguishing feature (e.g. P. grisea).[2] Sclerite examination is necessary for species identification, which reveals the characteristic 4-rayed 'butterfly' spicules of the cortex and the lack of purple sclerites in the axial sheath.[2]

Species

The World Register of Marine Species lists the following species in the genus:[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 van Ofwegen, Leen (2010). "Plexaurella Kölliker, 1865". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=267753. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 Bayer, FM 1961. Shallow water Octocorallia of the West Indian Region. Studies of the fauna of Curacao and other Caribbean islands. 55.

Wikidata ☰ Q3276941 entry