Species composition and mitochondrial molecular phylogeny of Acropora corals in Funakoshi, Amami-Oshima Island, Japan: A proposal for its new taxonomic grouping

Researchers propose a new taxonomic grouping for Acropora corals in Japan, based on morphological, molecular phylogenetic, and ecological data. The study, the first to report species diversity and phylogeny of Acropora in Amami-Oshima Island, identified 26 species, including three new records for Japan or the Amami Islands. Using mitochondrial DNA analysis, the team found that most Acropora species formed distinct clades, with notable exceptions like A. hyacinthus and A. cytherea, which were highly polyphyletic. The proposed grouping of eight species groups aims to improve identification and understanding of Acropora diversity until a formal taxonomic revision is conducted.

Fukami, H., Niimura, A., Nakamori, T., & Iryu, Y. (2021). Species composition and mitochondrial molecular phylogeny of Acropora corals in Funakoshi, Amami-Oshima Island, Japan: A proposal for its new taxonomic grouping. Galaxea, Journal of Coral Reef Studies, 23(1), 17–35. https://doi.org/10.3755/galaxea.g23-5