Chlorodesmis
| Chlorodesmis | |
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| Genus: | Chlorodesmis Harvey & Bailey, 1841
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| Type species | |
| Chlorodesmis comosa | |
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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
- ^ a b 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.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ 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
Scientific databases
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