Abstract
ABSTRACT This article reports three new records of soft corals, viz. Sarcophyton boletiforme Tixier-Durivault 1958; S. cinereum Tixier-Durivault 1946; and S. turschi Verseveldt 1976, from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The specimens were collected from coral reef regions, to a depth of 25 m. Species identification involved a detailed analysis of colony morphology, sclerite structures, and measurements taken from various parts of the colony. Sarcophyton boletifome features club-shaped sclerites (up to 0.38 mm) on capitulum and stalk surfaces, and spindle-shaped sclerites (up to 1.10 mm) in the stalk interior; S. cinereum exhibits warty club-shaped sclerites, in the capitulum surface layer (0.17–0.27 mm) and in the base surface layer (0.10–0.55 mm); and stalk interior features curved or straight spindles (up to 1.77 mm). The capitulum of S. turchi bears club-shaped surface sclerites, ranging in size from 0.09 to 0.38 mm, while the stalk interior contains spindle-shaped structures ranging from 0.35 to 0.75 mm. In a time when octocorals are threatened, it is refreshing to find octocoral species that are new to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands remain amongst the most ecologically significant in the Indo-Pacific region and should be protected.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
