Xenia umbellata (Octocorallia): A novel model organism for studying octocoral regeneration ability

Climate change is leading to phase shifts in coral reefs worldwide. In many biogeographic regions, octocorals are now becoming the most abundant benthic components, due their environmental resilience and ability rapidly colonize reef surfaces. Regeneration abilities asexual reproduction highly important for this probably contribute successful spread of certain octocorals, including invasive species. Regeneration, however, has been little investigated octocorals. To achieve a deeper understanding octocoral regeneration, we employed Xenia umbellata , common Red Sea, as novel experimental model laboratory studies. Using single-polyp modules, its regeneration polyp (budding). Excised polyps successfully reattached tissue-culture plates within 2-3 days started budding 10 days. Amputation oral disc led full 7-10 days, with continuing throughout period. Moreover, amputated tentacles developed into 21 demonstrating an unusual capacity whole-body regeneration. The species imply high totipotency all parts likely life cycle. Further research using expected enhance ecological molecular development provide insights currently occurring reefs. Our study also suggests that X. potential organism integrative studies on physiology, developmental biology, more, encouraging adoption colonial cnidarian organism.