Desmophyllum
A cosmopolitan genus of solitary, deepwater stony corals.
Desmophyllum is a genus of cnidarians in the family Caryophylliidae. These corals are found across the world’s oceans. One well-known species, D. dianthus, is a deepwater coral that lives in cold, dark conditions as deep as 2,000 meters. Its polyps are solitary and reproduce only sexually, with sperm densities below 500 per milliliter. The corals use stinging tentacles to feed on plankton and tiny shrimp. They also create habitat for deepwater fish and other marine life.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Desmophyllum
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Desmophyllum is a genus within the family Caryophylliidae. Its species are found worldwide, with a cosmopolitan distribution. One of its most notable species is Desmophyllum dianthus, which is one of the most common deepwater corals. This species lives in cold, dark water at depths reaching 2,000 meters. Its polyps are solitary and reproduce only sexually, with sperm densities of less than 500 per milliliter. The corals feed on plankton and tiny shrimp using their stinging tentacles.
Reader's Guide
Desmophyllum, particularly Desmophyllum dianthus, is significant as one of the most common deepwater corals. It provides habitat for deepwater fish and other species throughout the world's oceans. The genus's cosmopolitan distribution and its role in deep-sea ecosystems underscore its ecological importance. The solitary polyps reproduce only sexually, with low sperm densities, indicating a specialized reproductive strategy in cold, dark environments. By offering structure and shelter, Desmophyllum corals contribute to the biodiversity of deepwater habitats, supporting a range of marine life.
Did You Know?
- The genus Desmophyllum has cosmopolitan distribution.
- Desmophyllum dianthus lives at depths reaching 2,000 meters.
More in Stony Corals 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced