New Coral Species Ryukyu Coral Identified

NAHA, Aug 15 (News On Japan) - A research team from the Okinawa Churashima Foundation and the University of Tokyo has announced the discovery of a new coral species named Ryukyu Coral. The coral was collected in 2013 during a deep-sea survey off the east coast of Okinawa’s main island.

According to the foundation, the coral’s evenly spaced branching pattern and the size and shape of skeletal fragments within its tissues differ from previously recorded species, confirming it as a new member of the genus Leptoseris.

The research team proposed the name Ryukyu Coral for both its scientific and Japanese names, citing its striking red color and symmetrical branching as distinctive features.

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Source: 沖縄ニュースOTV

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