Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL), Hawaii, USA
Info
Kauluzoanthus kerbyi is a deep-water encrusting zoanthid with light beige, large polyps. The color of the coral's tissue ranges from pale yellow to medium orange, the secretion of excessive mucus during collection and the absence of mineral encrustations are characteristic features of this species.
Biological interactions: In previous studies, this species has been observed on the skeletons of several living Isididae as well as on several primnoids. This species was found on colonies of the Hawaiian golden coral Kulamanamana haumeaae.
It is not clear whether this species colonizes tissue-free branches of corals, or whether it parasitizes or competes with the host tissue as it spreads along the branches.
Etymology:
This species is named for Terry Kerby, who was a dive pilot for most of the time that the Hawaiii Undersea Research Laboratory HURL was in operation and collected most of the specimens described here. His knowledge of the Hawaiian deep-sea fauna greatly facilitated the collection of the Zoanthus species described here.
Biological interactions: In previous studies, this species has been observed on the skeletons of several living Isididae as well as on several primnoids. This species was found on colonies of the Hawaiian golden coral Kulamanamana haumeaae.
It is not clear whether this species colonizes tissue-free branches of corals, or whether it parasitizes or competes with the host tissue as it spreads along the branches.
Etymology:
This species is named for Terry Kerby, who was a dive pilot for most of the time that the Hawaiii Undersea Research Laboratory HURL was in operation and collected most of the specimens described here. His knowledge of the Hawaiian deep-sea fauna greatly facilitated the collection of the Zoanthus species described here.
