Specimen image via iDigBio · CC0
Aphanipathes
Sign in to saveAphanipathes is a diverse genus of black corals in the family Aphanipathidae, typified by large polypar spines. However, there are some disagreement in the correct taxonomic classification of this genus. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) classifies Aphanipathes as being a genus of the family Aphanipathidae while the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) classifies it as a genus of the family Antipathidae.
Species
GENUS
- KingdomAnimalia
- PhylumCnidaria
- ClassAnthozoa
- OrderAntipatharia
- FamilyAphanipathidae
via GBIF
Museum specimens
- Specimen records
- 47
- With media
- 67
- Family
- Aphanipathidae
- Collections
- USNM, CAS, NHMUK, CMN
- Recorded in
- United States, Puerto Rico, Japan, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Somalia, Chile, Bahamas
Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- taxon
- Parent taxon
- Antipathidae
- Image
- Aphanipathes.jpg
Show 2 more facts
- taxon name
- Aphanipathes
- taxon rank
- genus
Sources (1)
via Wikidata · CC0
~5 min read
Encyclopedic overview
4 sectionsContents
- Appearance and morphology
- Distribution
- Relationship to genus ''Phanopathes''
- References
Aphanipathes is a diverse genus of black corals in the family Aphanipathidae, typified by large polypar spines. However, there are some disagreement in the correct taxonomic classification of this genus. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) classifies Aphanipathes as being a genus of the family Aphanipathidae while the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) classifies it as a genus of the family Antipathidae.
Most commonly found in subtropic and tropic regions, this genus of coral lives in colonies on the continental slope of the ocean floor or on coral reefs. The colonies exhibit different physical appearances; they can be bushy, fan-shaped or branched like feathers. Most of the Aphanipathes species are found in tropical regions where they thrive and live successfully. They are never found in Arctic or Antarctic regions and are very scarce in temperate areas.
Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “Aphanipathes” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.