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]
  • C. baculifera
  • C. caespitosa
  • C. dotyi
  • C. fastigiata
  • C. haterumana
  • C. hildebrandtii
  • C. major
  • C. mexicana
  • C. papenfussii
  • C. sinensis
Turtle weed, Chlorodesmis fastigiata, at 6 meters depth
File:Turtle weed, Chlorodesmis fastigiata, with zooidangia

In taxonomy, Chlorodesmis is a genus of green 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. 1 2 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.
  2. ↑ Annu. Rev. Mar. Sci. 2009. 1:193-212. Marine Chemical Ecology: Chemical Signals and Cues Structure Marine Populations, Communities, and Ecosystems
  3. ↑ Dixson, D. L.; Hay, M. E. (2012). "Corals Chemically Cue Mutualistic Fishes to Remove Competing Seaweeds". Science. 338 (6108): 804–807. PMID 23139333. doi:10.1126/science.1225748.

Scientific references

Scientific databases


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