Chlorodesmis
| Chlorodesmis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Chlorophyta |
| Class: | Bryopsidophyceae |
| Order: | Bryopsidales |
| Family: | Udoteaceae |
| Genus: | Chlorodesmis Harvey & Bailey, 1841 |
| Type species | |
| Chlorodesmis comosa | |
| Species[1] | |
| |
Turtle weed, Chlorodesmis fastigiata, at 6 meters depth
File:Turtle weed, Chlorodesmis fastigiata, with zooidangia
In taxonomy, Chlorodesmis is a genus of algae, specifically of the Udoteaceae.[1] Algae in this genus produce the toxic diterpene chlorodesmin to defend themselves against generalist herbivores[2] This toxin also kills certain corals that touch the alga. Certain fish like the green coral goby that live in the corals eat the alga to enhance their own toxicity. Other coral dwelling fish like Paragobiodon echinocephalus actively trim the alga even though they don't eat it.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. (2007). "Genus: Chlorodesmis taxonomy browser". AlgaeBase version 4.2 World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. Retrieved 2007-09-24.
- ↑ Annu. Rev. Mar. Sci. 2009. 1:193-212. Marine Chemical Ecology: Chemical Signals and Cues Structure Marine Populations, Communities, and Ecosystems
- ↑ Dixson, D. L.; Hay, M. E. (2012). "Corals Chemically Cue Mutualistic Fishes to Remove Competing Seaweeds". Science 338 (6108): 804–807. doi:10.1126/science.1225748. PMID 23139333.
External links
Scientific references
- PubMed references for Chlorodesmis
- PubMed Central references for Chlorodesmis
- Google Scholar references for Chlorodesmis