An enigmatic new octocoral species (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Malacalcyonacea) from Isla del Coco National Park

Researchers have discovered a new genus and species of octocoral, Aliena parva gen. et sp. nov., from Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica. This enigmatic species, characterized by its thin encrusting mats and transparent polyps, is the first member of the family Pterogorgiidae reported in the eastern Pacific. Using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and genetic analyses, the study found that Aliena gen. nov. differs significantly from all other known taxa, necessitating an amendment to the diagnosis of Pterogorgiidae. The findings suggest that this species may have evolved from a gorgonian ancestor by losing its internal skeletal axis, contributing new insights into marine biodiversity and the octocoral diversity of Cocos Island.

Breedy, O., McFadden, C. S., & Cortés, J. (2023). An enigmatic new octocoral species (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Malacalcyonacea) from Isla del Coco National Park. ZooKeys, 1169, 317–331. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1169.100576