Page 56 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

CNIDARIANS

Reproduction Common name: not assigned

identification

Scientific Name:
Oculina patagonica
Picture

Key identifying features

This is a stony colonial coral that can harbour Brief history
symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). Its colonies,
yellowish-brown in colour, are encrusting or form
clumps, and the polyps have short, thick, highly fused
tentacles. The corallites, tubular skeletons of the Photo: ISME
polyps, are crowded, up to 5 mm in diameter, with
neat and round, walls and both long and short septo-
costae (radial elements).

Field identification signs and habitat
The colonies are generally encrusting, thicker in the
centre with a thin edge spreading over the substrate.
However, the form of the colony varies with depth
and other characteristics of the environment.
Bleaching of O. patagonica may be seen at some
sites, starting on the outer edges of the colony and
spreading inwards.
It is an opportunistic species, able to thrive in various
Oculina patagonica. Photo: D. Kersting
littoral habitats, encrusting on vertical and horizontal
surfaces in natural pristine sites as well as in
marinas, harbours and heavily polluted areas. spawning and asexually by budding new polyps from
existing ones, resulting in crowded, genetically identical
Reproduction colonies. Its successful proliferation is also due to its
It is able to reproduce both sexually by broadcast early reproductive maturity and high growth rate.

Oculina patagonica. Photo: E. Cebrian

Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean MPAs: A strategy and practical guide for managers 53