Plexaurella
| Plexaurella | |
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| Coral reef assembly with Plexaurella nutans at right back | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Subphylum: | Anthozoa |
| Class: | Octocorallia |
| Order: | Malacalcyonacea |
| Family: | Plexauridae |
| Genus: | Plexaurella Kölliker, 1865 [1] |
| Species | |
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See text | |
Plexaurella is a genus of gorgonian-type octocorals in the family Plexauridae. Species of the genus are typically characterised by their slit-pores, however, there are some which lack this distinguishing feature (e.g. P. grisea).[2] Sclerite examination is necessary for species identification, which reveals the characteristic 4-rayed 'butterfly' spicules of the cortex and the lack of purple sclerites in the axial sheath.[2]
Species
[edit]The World Register of Marine Species lists the following species in the genus:[1]
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References
[edit]- 1 2 van Ofwegen, Leen (2010). "Plexaurella Kölliker, 1865". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2012-12-18.
- 1 2 Bayer, FM 1961. Shallow water Octocorallia of the West Indian Region. Studies of the fauna of Curacao and other Caribbean islands. 55.
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