Sarcophyton is a genus of corals in the family Alcyoniidae that are commonly kept in reef aquaria. Sarcophyton produces the toxic terpene macrolide sarcophytoxide which serves as an antifeedant and also provides advantage in competition with other corals as it reduces photosynthesis of the coral Acropora formosa. However, snail Ovula ovum eats Sarcophyton, probably detoxifying sarcophytoxide in the intestines.[1]

Sarcophyton
S. glaucum (tentacles withdrawn)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Octocorallia
Order: Alcyonacea
Family: Alcyoniidae
Genus: Sarcophyton
Lesson, 1834
Synonyms
  • Sarcophytum [lapsus]

Species

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The following species currently are classified in the genus Sarcophyton:[2]

References

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  1. ^ Spiteller, D. (2008). "Defense Strategies of Marine and Aquatic Organisms". Encyclopedia of Ecology. pp. 844–852. doi:10.1016/B978-008045405-4.00903-4. ISBN 978-0-08-045405-4.
  2. ^ "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Sarcophyton Lesson, 1834". marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2018-04-11.