Revealing the Coral Species Diversity in Xiamen Bay: Spatial Distribution of Genus Astrogorgia (Cnidaria, Alcyonacea, Plexauridae) and Newly Recorded Species

Coral reefs provide a habitat for many marine organisms and support the safety, coastal protection, well-being, food economic security of hundreds millions people. The focus on coral species diversity cannot be overemphasized. One them, Astrogorgia, contains natural active substances, has important scientific research value application prospects. Most current substances genus Astrogorgia is based unidentified species, in-depth taxonomic studies are urgently needed. A total 1185 samples were collected from 2014 to 2021 in waters Xiamen Bay. Herein, morphological identification, electronic microscopy, gene fragment sequencing methods used study. There three identified, including lafoa, A. arborea, dumbea. Among lafoa arborea newly recorded China. distributed Qingyu Island, Wuyu dumbea widely Baiha Reef, Xiaobai Island. In this paper, geographical distribution habits 18 summarized, evolution family classification discussed. results enrich information records