The rich and extensive marine biodiversity that lives in Mesophahian environments from the Sea of Alboran Keep giving Surprises for scientists and researchers Thanks to the discovery of New species with which we can understand the habitatAs well as ecosystems of important conservation value.
Findings such as different morphologies in Specimens of soft coral colonies (of the parazoanthus genre) in the Calahonda-Castell de Ferro As well as in another population in the underwater funds of Mount Hacho de Ceuta, who have allowed that Discover two new species of unknown corals so far.
It’s about it Parazoanthus Franciscae“ At the moment strict endemism of Sea of Alborany Parazoanthus BrevitententaculararisisDistributed by the Mediterranean Sea and Macaronesia, which were after several dives.
These animals are generally known as yellow embedding anemones, although they are not real anemones. They are marine invertebrates that live in colonies, cover large walls or parasites other species, such as sponges or hydrozoos.
He Sea of AlboranOn the west side of the Mediterranean Sea continues to give surprises. A team formed by Sea biologists from the Ceuta Mar Museum Foundation has detected several morphologies in Colonies by soft corals In the cliffs and seabed of Calahonda-Castell de Ferro (Granada), as well as in another population in the underwater funds of Mount Hachho de Ceuta.
What was previously considered a single species, are actually three
In addition, The researchers explained it that after verifying these differences included in the team of Genetists from the BIO200 group from the University of Granada. These have been able to conclude that what has been considered the same species so far in reality Three types.
The original is Parazoanthus Axinellaeof broad distribution, and the two new ones that the team described with the specific names of: Parazoanthus Franciscaefor the endemic of the Alorán -Sea, and Parazoanthus BumpentaculiSDistributed by the Mediterranean and Macaronesia.
With a great one morphological variability and are given special relevance when biomodulador (species that builds and modulates habitats) has been studying since the 1950s.
This discovery has been achieved in the field of Meso_alborán Project 2who develops with the cooperation of the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry of Ecological Translation and the Demographic Challenge, via the program FloodAnd it is combined by the European Union And for the Fempup (Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund).
Within the framework of this program, the Best available technologies To optimize underwater investigation days. It has taken refuge usage at once Rov (Remote Control Vehicle), which has contributed to performing prospects in the depths before the specialists immerse themselves.
The Foundation team has urged that the Conservación from the kind Marinas depends on Know the existence of itDistribution, sensitivity, functions or ecosystem services that can provide human good things.
Of these contributions, Parazoanthus It is very important if Bioconstructive species. This generates habitats on which to develop weld Marine Communities of which fish is fed, Build miniature forests Including the types of fishing interests make their positions.
Moreover, recent studies show their assets as a source of new antimicrobial connections.
This group of species has lived on the planet for 250 million years
Genetic studies also indicate in recent years that this Species group They live On the planet For around 250 million of yearssome 20 million years earlier that the first dinosaur It appeared on earth.
Specialists define them as living fossilswhose populations can still be observed with some ease Submaries of the Alborán Sea.
However, the global change and specific changes that are derived from anthropic pressure on the marine environment increase the risk that these living fossils will disappear.
Some species they can die out for be perceived and studied, losing natural value and a source of possible resources important for society.
The coral colonies investigated can be found in spaces of the Natura 2000 network, awaiting their protection with sufficient use of use.