Aphanipathes

Aphanipathes
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hexacorallia
Order: Antipatharia
Family: Aphanipathidae
Genus: Aphanipathes
Brook, 1889
Species

Aphanipathes is a diverse genus of black corals in the family Aphanipathidae, typified by large polypar spines.[2][3] 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[3] while the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) classifies it as a genus of the family Antipathidae.[4]

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.[5]

  1. ^ Jeremy Horowitz, Dennis M. Opresko, María del P. González-García and Andrea M. Quattrini. 2023. Description of A New Species of Black Coral in the Family Aphanipathidae (Anthozoa, Antipatharia) from Puerto Rico. ZooKeys. 1173: 97-110. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1173.104141
  2. ^ Opresko, Dennis (1997). "A new species of antipatharian coral (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) from the Caribbean coast of Columbia". Caribbean Journal of Science. 33: 75–81.
  3. ^ a b The Global Biodiversity Information Facility: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, 2013-07-01. Accessed via https://www.gbif.org/species/2258118 on 2015-03-27
  4. ^ "Aphanipathes Brook, 1889". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2015-04-03.
  5. ^ Hoeksema, B; Ofwegen LV. "Reef Corals of the Indo-Malayan Seas: Genus Aphanipathes". Marine Species Identification Portal. Retrieved 2015-04-03.