Comparison of shallow water soft coral (Octocorallia) diversity and distribution among three islands in Makassar Strait, Indonesia

Abstract. Putra AW, Priawandiputra W, Litaay M, Atmowidi T. 2022. Comparison of shallow water soft coral (Octocorallia) diversity and distribution among three islands in Makassar Strait, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 5951-5961. There are only a few research In the last ten years, there has been seven published research. On other hand, still many areas that unexplored, every unexplored location chance to find new species, thus we did this This study aims conduct biodiversity selected where corals papers have never before. The small strait close Sulawesi main island is reported paper. We hope correlation between community each researched island. was done by using modified visual census method with 50 meters transect area (approx. 5 depth). data collected diving, sampling, capturing images species found. Identification made comparing morphological characteristics book Sea fans Fabricius Alderslade newest about coral. total, 41 belonging 14 genera eight families found not much these islands' communities. Every had its key based on underwater habitats. Acrossota Dendronephtya occur Barrang Caddi Island, while, Cladiella, Clavularia Xenia were Gusung Toraja Anthellia Heteroxenia Pannikiang Island. Litophyton, Lobophytum, Sarcophyton, Sinularia all islands. south side highest abundance compared North, West, Eastside.