de Matos et al. (2014). First record of Antipathella subpinnata (Anthozoa, Antipatharia) in the Azores (NE Atlantic), with description of the first monotypic garden for this species. Deep-Sea Research Pt. II, 99: 113-121. (original) (raw)

Morphological and molecular characterizationof a new species of black coral from Elvers Bank, north-western Gulf of Mexico (Cnidaria:Anthozoa: Hexacorallia: Antipatharia:Aphanipathidae: Distichopathes)

2020

The continental shelf edge of the NW Gulf of Mexico supports dozens of reefs and banks, including the West and East Flower Garden Banks (FGB) and Stetson Bank that comprise the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS). Discovered by fishermen in the early 1900s, the FGBs are named after the colourful corals, sponges and algae that dominate the region. The reefs and banks are the surface expression of underlying salt domes and provide important habitat for mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCE) and deep coral communities to 300 m depth. Since 2001, FGBNMS research teams have utilized remotely operated vehicles (e.g. ‘Phantom S2’, ‘Mohawk’, ‘Yogi’) to survey and characterize benthic habitats of this region. In 2016, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement proposed the expansion of the current sanctuary boundaries to incorporate an additional 15 reefs and banks, including Elvers Bank. Antipatharians (black corals) were collected within the proposed expansion sites and analysed ...

de Matos et al. (2014). New species of Heteropathes (Anthozoa: Antipatharia) expands genus distribution to the NE Atlantic. Zootaxa, 3827 (2): 293–300

2014

Heteropathes opreski, a new antipatharian species from the northern border of the Oceanographer Fracture Zone is here described and illustrated. An emended diagnosis of the genus and a dichotomous key containing the four Heteropathes species are presented. This species is unique in that it forms smaller colonies compared to the other species in the genus, with some of the lateral pinnules presenting a small ramified subpinnule. Additionally, the polypar spines found on the lateral pinnules are the highest so far recorded in the genus. This record greatly expands the known distribution of this genus, as it was not previously reported to occur in the Northeastern Atlantic.

Trissopathes (Anthozoa: Antipatharia) in the north-east Atlantic, with a description of T. grasshoffi sp. nov

Zootaxa, 2019

A new species of antipatharian (black coral) in the genus Trissopathes is described. It is common in the bathyal zone of the north-east Atlantic, including the Bay of Biscay, Celtic Slope and adjacent banks and seamounts. The species is often observed in underwater photographs from untrawled parts of carbonate mounds in the area. Trissopathes grasshoffi sp. nov. can be easily distinguished from its three congeners by having relatively sparse branching, a higher density of primary pinnules, and 3–6 secondary anterolateral pinnules as well as by the shape and size of its spines. The present state of knowledge of Trissopathes is reviewed.

A systematic study of some Black Corals species (Antipatharia, Hexacorallia) based on rDNA internal transcribed spacers sequences

Marine Biology, 2007

A phylogenetic analysis based on rDNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS) sequences was performed on 15 species of black corals assigned to the genera Antipathes, Stichopathes, Cirrhipathes, Rhipidipathes, Antipathella, Myriopathes and Cupressopathes recorded from the Messina Strait (Mediterranean Sea) and the Bunaken Marine Park (Celebes Sea, Indonesia). The phylogenetic analysis shows that the examined species are grouped in two main branches corresponding to the families Antipathidae-Aphanipathidae and Myriopathidae. While among the Myriopathidae species there is a very small genetic distance, the Antipathidae-Aphanipathidae clade shows a high degree of divergence between different genera. According to this study, the taxon Antipathes? sp. 3 characterised by a bush-like corallum without a well-defined axis, probably belongs to a new undescribed genus of the family Antipathidae.

Caribbean shallow-water black corals (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Antipatharia)

2005

Abstract.—Our aim is to provide a complete key and guide to the species of black corals from the Caribbean reefs at depths shallower than about 100 m. The key to the species is mostly based on colonial features that are recognized in the field, although some closely related species can only be differentiated by microscopic skeletal features. Each species is illustrated with one or more photos showing the size and shape of the colony; many photos were taken in the natural environment to facilitate underwater identification.