Osservazioni ecologiche su alcuni antozoi del golfo di genova

Abstract

A small area of rocky shore (depth 10–40 m.) has been investigated near Portofino (Genua) and Anthozoa have been a particular object of research. With the help of divers, a good material is now gathered. Seven species of Madreporaria are present. Leptopsammia pruvoti and Madracis pharensis are chiefly interesting: the former as it is very abundant, the latter as was hitherto unknown in NW Mediterranean. Such forms, together with many Sponges and two seastars (Ophidiaster ophidianus, Hacelia attenuata) show a chiefly warmwater facies, which however is not exclusive because forms typical of a colder Mediterranean facies (Eunicella verrucosa, Corallium rubrum) also occur. E. verrucosa is present in two very different forms, a greenish and an orangered one. The former grows vertically in more eulighted situations, viz. nearer to the shore; the latter grows horizontally like a fan, on the deep walls of rock and in the caves. © 1956 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.