Distribution of Acanthogorgia cf. hirsuta along the Calabrian coast (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

Description

The discovery of wide populations of the gorgonian Acanthogorgia cf. hirsuta (Acanthogorgiidae, Gorgonacea), in the waters off the Calabrian coast (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) is herein reported. The colonies of this coral species are single or grouped in patches as far as 30 specimens growing on small boulders on soft bottoms. The specimens have been filmed and photographed with the aid of a ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), equipped with a high definition digital camera. Two areas in front of Vibo Marina and Cetraro (middle of Calabrian coast) have been monitored and quantitative data have been collected concerning the bathymetric distribution of the species, its habitat and parameters describing colony morphology. Colonies are located between 80 m and 130 m. The assemblage is characterized by of both large (about 20 cm high) and small (about 4-8 cm high) colonies. Composition of the assemblages varies following depth. Moreover, A. cf. hirsuta has been observed to grow on different types of hard substrata, natural and man made, such as tires, wood, and abandoned fishing nets present on the sea floor.

Additional details