''Chlorodesmis'' is a
genus
Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...
of
green algae
The green algae (singular: green alga) are a group consisting of the Prasinodermophyta and its unnamed sister which contains the Chlorophyta and Charophyta/Streptophyta. The land plants (Embryophytes) have emerged deep in the Charophyte alga as ...
in the family
Udoteaceae.
Algae in this genus produce the toxic
diterpene 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
''Paragobiodon'' is a genus of gobies native to reef habitats of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.
Species
There are currently five recognized species in this genus:
* '' Paragobiodon echinocephalus'' ( Rüppell, 1830) (Redhead gob ...
actively trim the alga even though they don't eat it.
References
External links
Bryopsidales genera
Udoteaceae
{{green algae-stub