Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL), Hawaii, USA
Info
The deep-water gorgonian Narella macrocalyx lives in an absolutely lightless zone, the bathypelagic zone.
Lightless means that the corals at these depths have not formed a symbiotic relationship with endogenous zooxanthellae and therefore rely on the capture of forageable zooplankton for energy through growth and life.
Narella macrocalyx is unique in the genus in having the largest sepals (up to 5.5 mm in length) and with 2 or 3 pairs of adaxial scales.
Since all specimens of Narella macrocalyx examined show worm tubes , it appears to be an obligate association.
Many polynoid polychaete may live in the same colony and live in the continuous tube.
Whether polynoids are commensal or predatory polychaete we cannot clarify at this time.
Etymology: The species name "macrocalyx" is derived from Greek and means "long calyx", referring to the large size of the calyxes of this species.
Lightless means that the corals at these depths have not formed a symbiotic relationship with endogenous zooxanthellae and therefore rely on the capture of forageable zooplankton for energy through growth and life.
Narella macrocalyx is unique in the genus in having the largest sepals (up to 5.5 mm in length) and with 2 or 3 pairs of adaxial scales.
Since all specimens of Narella macrocalyx examined show worm tubes , it appears to be an obligate association.
Many polynoid polychaete may live in the same colony and live in the continuous tube.
Whether polynoids are commensal or predatory polychaete we cannot clarify at this time.
Etymology: The species name "macrocalyx" is derived from Greek and means "long calyx", referring to the large size of the calyxes of this species.
