A review of gerardidae (Anthozoa: Zoantheria) from the Macaronesian Islands and Mediterranean sea with the description of a new species
- Ocaña Vicente, Oscar
- Brito Hernández, Alberto Miguel
ISSN: 1130-4723
Year of publication: 2003
Volume: 15
Issue: 3-4
Pages: 159-189
Type: Article
More publications in: Revista de la Academia Canaria de Ciencias: = Folia Canariensis Academiae Scientiarum
Abstract
We describe the new species of the zoanthid Gerardia macaronesica exclusively known from Macaronesian islands (Azores, Madeira, Canarias y Cabo Verde). Moreover, we offer diagnostic data in order to distinguish properly G macaronesica from G. savaglia which is the other known species of the family Gerardiidae. The ecological requirements and the nature of the association between G. macaronesica and the antipatharians are dis- cussed. A complete study of the cnidom measurements of both species is offered; in addition, the cnidom images of G. savaglia are also showed and some biogeographycal considerations are taking in account.