Abstract
The Xeniidae are a major component of benthic coral reef communities in Lembeh, Indonesia. A two- week survey of the xeniids from this region was conducted. Scuba collections were carried out to a depth of 25 meters. A total of 48 samples were examined, encompassing a variety of species found in Lembeh Strait. Representatives of the genera Anthelia, Cespitularia, Heteroxenia, San sibia, Sympodium, and Xenia were recorded using micro- scopic analysis. Visual estimates were made of the under- water abundance and distribution of these genera. Three habitats containing xeniids were identified. Sand slopes, which were limited to the genera Anthelia, and Xenia. Hard substratum patch reefs supported the greatest diver- sity, which included communities of Anthelia, Cespitularia, Heteroxenia, Sansibia, Sympodium, and Xenia. The genera Cespitularia, Heteroxenia and Xenia were found to colonize reef walls. Only one colony of Sansibia and one colony of Sympodium were recorded in this survey. Abundant assemblages of Xenia were found to occur at depths of 3-25 meters, primarily on sand slopes. Inter- estingly, most colonies of Cespitularia and Heteroxenia were observed below 10 meters on both patch reefs and reef walls.
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