''Chlorodesmis'' is a
genus
Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms as well as viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus comes above species and below family. In binomial n ...
of
green algae
The green algae (singular: green alga) are a group consisting of the Prasinodermophyta and its unnamed sister which contains the Chlorophyta and Charophyta/ Streptophyta. The land plants ( Embryophytes) have emerged deep in the Charophyte alg ...
in the family
Udoteaceae
Udoteaceae is a family of green algae, in the order Bryopsidales.
Description
Udoteaceae is a family of green algae that belongs to the order Bryopsidales. Udoteaceae are most abundant in reef ecosystems as it serves an important ecological ...
.
Algae in this genus produce the toxic
diterpene
Diterpenes are a class of chemical compounds composed of four isoprene units, often with the molecular formula C20H32. They are biosynthesized by plants, animals and fungi via the HMG-CoA reductase pathway, with geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate being ...
chlorodesmin to defend themselves against generalist herbivores
[Annu. Rev. Mar. Sci. 2009. 1:193-212. Marine Chemical Ecology: Chemical Signals and Cues Structure Marine Populations, Communities, and Ecosystems] This toxin also kills certain corals that touch the alga. Certain fish like the
green coral goby
''Gobiodon histrio'', the Broad-barred goby, is a species of goby native to the Indian Ocean from the Red Sea to the western Pacific Ocean to southern Japan, Samoa and the Great Barrier Reef. This species is a reef dweller, being found at depth ...
that live in the corals eat the alga to enhance their own toxicity. Other coral dwelling fish like
Paragobiodon echinocephalus
''Paragobiodon'' is a genus of gobies native to reef habitats of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.
Species
There are currently five recognized species in this genus:
* '' Paragobiodon echinocephalus'' ( Rüppell, 1830) (Redhead gob ...
actively trim the alga even though they don't eat it.
References
External links
Bryopsidales genera
Udoteaceae
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