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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 to recognize Dalio's valuable contributions to marine research and public education. Hannibal Bank, part of Coiba National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a coastal seamount and biodiversity hotspot that has only recently been explored. "After only two expeditions using submersibles up to 300 meters, we identified 17 species of octocorals for Hannibal Bank, including the discovery and description of three new species," said Hector M. Guzman , Marine Ecologist at 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 the mesophotic reefs: the meso means the medium and the photic means the 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 needing more attention for its protection. "The present study should serve as a basis for further research on gender and contribute to understanding the diversity and distribution of octocorals in the mesophotic zone of the eastern Pacific Ocean," said Odalisca Breedy, CIMAR marine biologist. 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," Guzman said. "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 ability to obtain permission to work in Coiba National Park."
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Material provided by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Note: Content can be changed for style and length.
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