New Coral Reef Species From Gambier Islands, French Polynesia
Posted on July 26, 2013
A new coral reef species, Echinophyllia tarae, has been discovered in the remote and poorly studied Gambier Islands, French Polynesia. The new species is common in the lagoon of Gambier Islands. However, its occurrence elsewhere is unknown. Echinophyllia tarae lives in protected reef habitats and was observed between 5 and 20 meter depth. It is a zooxanthellate species which commonly grows on dead coral fragments.
Scientists say the new croal species can grow on well illuminated surfaces but also encrusts shaded underhangs. It contributes to the formation of coral reefs in the Gambier. It is characterized by large polyps and bright often mottled colorations. The scientists say the discovery of this new species in French Polynesia is another example of how our knowledge of hard coral diversity is still incomplete.
The species is named after the Tara vessel which allowed the exploration of coral reefs in Gambier. Tara is also the name of a sea goddess is the Polynesian language. The word "tara" in the Polynesian language may refer to a spiny, pointed object, which applies well to the new species.
The research was published here in ZooKeys.
