Chlorodesmis is a genus of green algae in the family Udoteaceae.[1] Algae in this genus produce the toxic diterpene chlorodesmin to defend themselves against generalist herbivores[2] 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 actively trim the alga even though they don't eat it.[3]
| Chlorodesmis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Turtle weed, Chlorodesmis fastigiata, at 6 meters depth | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Clade: | Viridiplantae |
| Division: | Chlorophyta |
| Class: | UTC clade |
| Order: | Bryopsidales |
| Family: | Udoteaceae |
| Genus: | Chlorodesmis Harvey & Bailey, 1841 |
| Type species | |
| Chlorodesmis comosa | |
| Species[1] | |
References
edit- ^ a b Guiry, M.D.; Guiry, G.M. (2007). "Genus: Chlorodesmis taxonomy browser". AlgaeBase version 4.2 World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. Retrieved 2007-09-24.
- ^ Annu. Rev. Mar. Sci. 2009. 1:193-212. Marine Chemical Ecology: Chemical Signals and Cues Structure Marine Populations, Communities, and Ecosystems
- ^ Dixson, D. L.; Hay, M. E. (2012). "Corals Chemically Cue Mutualistic Fishes to Remove Competing Seaweeds". Science. 338 (6108): 804–807. doi:10.1126/science.1225748. PMC 3691814. PMID 23139333.
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