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A study in the journal Marine Science Bulletin describes a new species of blood red octocorium found in Panama. The species of the genus The sea was discovered by researchers at the Smithsonian Institute for Tropical Research of Panama (STRI) and the Center for Investigation of Marine Sciences and Limnology (CIMAR) in the Hannibal Reef Environment, University of Costa Rica Rica.
Scientists have established the new species, Thesea dalioi, comparing its physical characteristics, such as the thickness of the branch and the color of the bright red colony, with the only other species of the genus in the eastern Pacific, T. variabilis.
T. dalioi is named in honor of Ray Dalio, a supporter of marine exploration. His name is intended to recognize Dalio's valuable contributions to marine research and public awareness. Hannibal Bank, part of the Coiba National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a coastal seamount that has only been explored recently. Only two expeditions using submersibles up to 300 meters, we identified 17 species of octocorals for the Hannibal Bank, including the discovery and description of three new species, "said Hector M. Guzman, ecologist Marine at the STRI and one of the authors of the study.
Light-dependent corals and algae, as well as other life forms in poorly lit environments, live on mesophotic reefs: meso means medium and photographic light. These reefs, like the one where T. dalioi have been found, are considered fragile habitats with a great diversity of corals, algae and sponges. They are also generally neglected in most environmental and conservation policies because they are hard to reach. Hannibal Bank is one of the places that needs more attention for its protection. The present study should serve as a basis for further research on gender and contribute to the knowledge of the diversity and distribution of octocorals in the mesophotic zone of the eastern Pacific Ocean, "said Odalisca Breedy, marine biologist at CIMAR. and one of the authors of the study.
"Medical researchers have identified therapeutic benefits derived from soft and hard corals such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, bone repair and neurological benefits," said Guzman. "But our ability to contribute to the understanding of soft corals and their habitats depends not only on stable funding for the use of submersibles, but also on our continued ability to obtain permission to work in Coiba National Park. "
More information:
Odalisca Breedy et al, A new alcyonaceae species (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Octocorallia) from a seamount in the tropical Pacific Ocean, Marine Science Bulletin (2018). DOI: 10.5343 / bms.2018.0027
A study in the journal Marine Science Bulletin describes a new species of blood red octocorium found in Panama. The species of the genus The sea was discovered by researchers at the Smithsonian Institute for Tropical Research of Panama (STRI) and the Center for Investigation of Marine Sciences and Limnology (CIMAR) in the Hannibal Reef Environment, University of Costa Rica Rica.
Scientists have established the new species, Thesea dalioi, comparing its physical characteristics, such as the thickness of the branch and the color of the bright red colony, with the only other species of the genus in the eastern Pacific, T. variabilis.
T. dalioi is named in honor of Ray Dalio, a supporter of marine exploration. His name is intended to recognize Dalio's valuable contributions to marine research and public awareness. Hannibal Bank, part of the Coiba National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a coastal seamount that has only been explored recently. Only two expeditions using submersibles up to 300 meters, we identified 17 species of octocorals for the Hannibal Bank, including the discovery and description of three new species, "said Hector M. Guzman, ecologist Marine at the STRI and one of the study authors.
Light-dependent corals and algae, as well as other life forms in poorly lit environments, live on mesophotic reefs: meso means medium and photographic light. These reefs, like the one where T. dalioi have been found, are considered fragile habitats with a great diversity of corals, algae and sponges. They are also generally neglected in most environmental and conservation policies because they are hard to reach. Hannibal Bank is one of the places that needs more attention for its protection. The present study should serve as a basis for further research on gender and contribute to the knowledge of the diversity and distribution of octocorals in the mesophotic zone of the eastern Pacific Ocean, "said Odalisca Breedy, marine biologist at CIMAR. and one of the authors of the study.
"Medical researchers have identified therapeutic benefits derived from soft and hard corals such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, bone repair and neurological benefits," said Guzman. "But our ability to contribute to the understanding of soft corals and their habitats depends not only on stable funding for the use of submersibles, but also on our continued ability to obtain permission to work in Coiba National Park. "
More information:
Odalisca Breedy et al, A new alcyonaceae species (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Octocorallia) from a seamount in the tropical Pacific Ocean, Marine Science Bulletin (2018). DOI: 10.5343 / bms.2018.0027
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