Astrogorgia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Astrogorgia | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Subphylum: | Anthozoa |
| Class: | Octocorallia |
| Order: | Malacalcyonacea |
| Family: | Plexauridae |
| Genus: | Astrogorgia Verrill, 1868 |
Astrogorgia is a genus of soft corals that look like fans and belong to the family Plexauridae and the order Alcyonacea. Addison Emery Verrill established the genus in 1868. It is known for playing an important ecological role in coral reef ecosystems and for having a lot of potential for pharmacological research because it contains bioactive natural substances.[1][2]
The species of this genus are found in Southeastern Asia, Indian Ocean.[1]
Astrogorgia sinensis was the type species when the genus was founded in 1868. Due to phenotypic variability and inconsistent identification records, the genus's classification has experienced substantial changes throughout history. Molecular biology (COI, ND2, and MSH gene fragment sequencing) and morphological analysis (sclerite analysis using electronic microscopy) are the two main methods used in modern identification.[2]
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