Aphanipathes

Aphanipathes
Aphanipathes
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Anthozoa
Order: Antipatharia
Family: Aphanipathidae
Genus: Aphanipathes
Brook, 1889
Species
  • Aphanipathes abietina
  • Aphanipathes colombiana
  • Aphanipathes filix
  • Aphanipathes fruticosa
  • Aphanipathes humilis
  • Aphanipathes pedata
  • Aphanipathes rigida
  • Aphanipathes salix
  • Aphanipathes sarothamnoides
  • Aphanipathes thyoides
  • Aphanipathes thyroides
  • Aphanipathes verticellata
  • Aphanipathes verticillata

Aphanipathes is a genus of black coral from the family Aphanipathidae.[1] However, there are some disagreement in the correct taxonomic classification of this genus. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) classifies Aphanipathes as being a genus of the family Aphanipathidae [1] while the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) classifies it as a genus of the family Antipathidae.[2]

Most commonly found in subtropic and tropic regions, this genus of coral lives in colonies on the continental slope of the ocean floor or on coral reefs. The colonies exhibit different physical appearances; they can be bushy, fan-shaped or branched like feathers. Most of the Aphanipathes species are found in tropical regions where they thrive and live successfully. They are never found in Arctic or Antarctic regions and are very scarce in temperate areas.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 The Global Biodiversity Information Facility: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, 2013-07-01. Accessed via http://www.gbif.org/species/2258118 on 2015-03-27
  2. ↑ "Aphanipathes Brook, 1889". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2015-04-03.
  3. ↑ Hoeksema, B, Ofwegen LV. "Reef Corals of the Indo-Malayan Seas: Genus Aphanipathes". Marine Species Identification Portal. Retrieved 2015-04-03.
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