Malacalcyonacea incertae sedis

Malacalcyonacea incertae sedis is a taxonomic grouping within the order Malacalcyonacea, which in turn belongs to the class Octocorallia. The term “incertae sedis” indicates that the exact placement of this group within the order is uncertain. This means that the species within Malacalcyonacea incertae sedis are known to belong to the Malacalcyonacea order, but their precise relationships to other families within the order are still being investigated and debated. The taxonomic classification of these species is constantly evolving as new information becomes available through ongoing research.

White Eye Sea Spray – Thesea nivea

Common Names

There are no widely recognized common names for species within the Malacalcyonacea incertae sedis.

Characteristics

Species belonging to Malacalcyonacea incertae sedis share the general characteristics of Malacalcyonacea, which include:

  • Colonial: They exist as colonies of numerous individual polyps.
  • Eight tentacles: Each polyp has eight tentacles, a defining characteristic of Octocorallia.
  • Sclerites: They have a skeleton composed of microscopic calcareous spicules known as sclerites, which are often unique in shape and arrangement.
  • Zooxanthellae: Many species form symbiotic relationships with single-celled algae called zooxanthellae, which provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis.
  • Colonial growth forms: The colonies can take on a variety of growth forms, including branching, encrusting, or massive forms.

However, the specific details of the sclerites, colony form, and other anatomical features often differ from those found in other established families within the Malacalcyonacea.

Environments

Malacalcyonacea incertae sedis are typically found in marine environments, often inhabiting tropical and subtropical regions. Their specific habitat preferences are still being studied, and they may be found in various depths, from shallow reefs to deeper waters.

References

For further information on Malacalcyonacea incertae sedis, refer to the following resources: