General Ecological Aspects of Anthozoan-Symbiodinium Interactions in the Mediterranean Sea

The aim of this chapter is to provide a general overview of the main ecological aspects of Anthozoan-Symbiodinium mutualisms in the Mediterranean Sea. There are reports of at least twelve species of symbiotic anthozans in the basin. These anthozoans establish symbiotic relations with Symbiodinium Temperate A and B2 (Symbiodinium psygmophilum), corresponding to the only two species of Symbiodinium described in the region. A synthesis of the trophic and biochemical aspects of the interaction between Symbiodinum and their cnidarian hosts is given to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms that maintain this special association. Finally, current knowledge about the ecological importance of this interaction in engineering species is examined. This review is framed to highlight the ecological importance of this symbiotic relationship in ecosystem construction and maintenance on an enclosed, temperate marine basin.