''Chlorodesmis'' is a
genus
Genus (; : genera ) is a taxonomic rank above species and below family (taxonomy), family as used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In bino ...
of
green algae
The green algae (: green alga) are a group of chlorophyll-containing autotrophic eukaryotes consisting of the phylum Prasinodermophyta and its unnamed sister group that contains the Chlorophyta and Charophyta/ Streptophyta. The land plants ...
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 r ...
.
Algae in this genus produce the toxic
diterpene
Diterpenes are a class of terpenes 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 a primary ...
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 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 go ...
actively trim the alga even though they don't eat it.
References
Bryopsidales genera
Udoteaceae
{{Ulvophyceae-stub