New distribution record of a true coral species, Psammocora contigua (Esper, 1794) from Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park & Sanctuary, India

Main Article Content

R. Chandran
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6934-9751
R. Senthil Kumaran
D.T. Vasavada
N.N. Joshi
Osman G. Husen

Abstract

Reef-building corals are generally confined to tropical waters across the world oceans. But some coral species are able to tolerate even inhospitable environments and suboptimal extremes, and form lower diversity reefs habitats such as the Gulf of Kachchh, located along the northwestern coast of India. Among the reported hard coral species so far from the Gulf of Kachchh, genus Psammocora is represented by only one species, P. digitata. The present study confirmed a new distribution record of Psammocora contigua from Narara Island. Due to the changing hydro-geographic conditions in the Kachchh region, ramose and branching coral species have been believed to be extinct completely, leaving no sign of live colonies. P. contigua, recorded during the present study is the only living species with ramose growth form recorded so far from the Kachchh waters. The present study also holds out hope to record more new coral species records from the region.

Article Details

Section
Short Communications
Author Biography

R. Chandran, MARINE NATIONAL PARK & SANCTUARY

CORAL TRANSPLANTATION/RESTORATION PROJECT, JAMNAGAR

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