Record of Viminella flagellum (Alcyonacea: Ellisellidae) in Italian waters (Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract

The occurrence of the whip coral Viminella flagellum in Italian waters (Strait of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea), is reported for the first time. The specimens were photographed and sampled at locations situated from 130 to 250 m depth on the north-eastern coasts of Pantelleria Island, by means of a remotely operated vehicle, during a research cruise carried out by ISPRA in May 2010 on-board of the RV 'Astrea'. A description of the living colonies and other taxonomic characteristics is given. Our finding extends the known geographical distribution of this species in the Mediterranean Sea to the Strait of Sicily. © 2012 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom.