The actuopaleontological studies on Cuban scleractinians and coral reefs of half a century ago are not over

Abstract

Gathering and studying a rich collection of fossil corals in Bulgaria led to the definition of various new taxa, but highlighted the gaps in our knowledge of fossil Scleractinia. I needed to learn from living corals. An actuopaleontological project with massive sampling of all phenotypes following coral life in depth in Cuba (1970–1973) showed extraordinary scleractinian variability and led to “heresy” regarding the conventional Caribbean taxonomy. Subsequent fundamental new knowledge challenged Scleractinia taxonomy and justified the results of the investigation of the Cuban corals, through continuing contributions to: holistic approach to scleractinian species; integrative character of coral taxonomy; new paleobiological perspectives and tasks for study; and the evolutionary benefits of hybridization for reef survival. Continuing research can be supported by: an 80% preserved collection; a scientific audiovisual documentary; a monograph in Russian, French, and soon Spanish; and a substantially and rarely preserved coral life and reef ecosystem.