''Chlorodesmis'' is a
genus
Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms as well as viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus comes above species and below family. In binomial nom ...
of
green algae in the family
Udoteaceae
Udoteaceae is a family of green algae, in the order Bryopsidales.
Description
Udoteaceae is a family of green algae that belongs to the order Bryopsidales. Udoteaceae are most abundant in reef ecosystems as it serves an important ecological ...
.
Algae in this genus produce the toxic
diterpene
Diterpenes are a class of chemical compounds composed of four isoprene units, often with the molecular formula C20H32. They are biosynthesized by plants, animals and fungi via the HMG-CoA reductase pathway, with geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate being ...
chlorodesmin to defend themselves against generalist herbivores
[Annu. Rev. Mar. Sci. 2009. 1:193-212. Marine Chemical Ecology: Chemical Signals and Cues Structure Marine Populations, Communities, and Ecosystems] This toxin also kills certain corals that touch the alga. Certain fish like the
green coral goby that live in the corals eat the alga to enhance their own toxicity. Other coral dwelling fish like
Paragobiodon echinocephalus actively trim the alga even though they don't eat it.
References
External links
Bryopsidales genera
Udoteaceae
{{green algae-stub