Two New Gorgonian Soft Coral Species Discovered
Posted on November 17, 2013
Scientists have identified two new species of gorgonian soft coral. The coral has a complex branching shape, which led to it being named after the Gorgon Medusa of Greek mythology. The new species were discovered in the waters of the Pacific and belong to the genus Eugorgia.
Both of the new species are characterized by their pure white color underwater. Images of one of the new species, Eugorgia mutabilis, are pictured here. The second image shows Eugorgia mutabilis colonies.
Dr. Breedy, Universidad de Costa Rica, said in the announcement, "These new species increases the number of species in the genus to 15. This is an important contribution to the knowledge of the eastern Pacific octocoral biodiversity."
The research was published here in ZooKeys.