engleski

Records of Scleractinian corals in Kvarner Region

Biogeographical interpretation of the Scleractinian fauna of the Adriatic Sea is still based on taxonomical problems and shortage of data. Using data of recent research and previous literature records, sixteen Scleractinian species were recorded and collected in the area of Kvarner Region from 49 stations. Recorded species account for about 57% of Scleractinians known in the Adriatic Sea, and for about 50% of Scleractinians known in the Mediterranean Sea. Four species are considered to be Mediterranean endemics. Heterogenity of substrates and benthic communities is considerable in the Kvarner Region, with Scleractinians present on most different kinds of substrates and in a wide range of benthic communities. Colonial coral Cladocora caespitosa builds a large, remarkable “ reef-like” structure in the south of Prvić Island, in the area characterized by strong bottom hydrodynamism. The previously uncertain occurrence in this part of the Mediterranean Sea is confirmed for the first time for the scleractinians Caryophyllia cyathus and Coenocyathus anthophyllites. The scleractinian Guynia annulata, previously recorded in the Adriatic only from the southern Italian coast near Bari, has been found on the Croatian coast as far north as Prvić and Lošinj Islands. The diversity of habitats, including caves and deep cliffs, is high on the submergent coast of Kvarner Region with its abundance of islands. Further research on the status of Scleractinian corals seem to be necessary.

Scleractinian corals; Kvarner Region

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