BIODIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF OCTOCORALS OF
MINICOY ATOLL, LAKSHADWEEP
Anita G. Mary and Robert D. Sluka
Atoll Research Bulletin No. 602 6 March 2014
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BIODIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF OCTOCORALS OF
MINICOY ATOLL, LAKSHADWEEP
ANITA G. MARY1 and ROBERT D. SLUKA2
ABSTRACT
A survey of the distribution of octocorals of Minicoy Atoll, Lakshadweep found 53 species representing
44 alcyoniids (7 genera) and 9 gorgonians (6 genera). Specimens were from 7 families: Alcyoniidae,
Neptheidae, Nidallidae of the Alcyoniina group, Melithaeidae of the Scleraxonian group and
Acanthogorgiidae, Plexauridae of the suborder Holaxonia and Ellisellidae of the suborder Calcaxonia. All
species are new records to the study area. Based on the species collected and their importance, an outlook
on the future possibilities of working in this area is suggested.
INTRODUCTION
There are four main coral reef areas in India: Lakshadweep (Laccadives; Figure 1), Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Gulf of Kutch.
Figure 1. Map of India showing atoll reefs and fringing reefs.
1
Marine Scientist, HMR Consultants, P.O. 1295, CPO Seeb, PC 111, Sultanate of Oman. Email:
marieanita@rediffmail.com
2
Marine Conservation Consultant, 61 Mill Lane, Chinnor OX39 4QU United Kingdom
1
The Lakshadweep Archipelago (8˚ 27-30’ N, 71˚-74˚ E) consists of 12 coral atolls with 36 islands and
5 submerged banks situated at the northern end of the Laccadive-Chagos ridge, 225-450 km west of the
Kerala coast (Figure 2). These islands vary in size from 0.1 km2 (Bitra) to 4.8 km2 (Androth) and are
surrounded by 4,200 km2 of lagoon, raised reefs and banks (Muley et al., 2000). The entire 132 km
(Wafar, 1999) coastline of Lakshadweep islands is protected by an outer reef which encloses a shallow
lagoon, with the exception of Androth, which is exposed on all sides (Jones and Kumaran, 1980).
Minicoy (8º 27 N, 73º 05’ E) is the southernmost island in Lakshadweep and is located just north of
the Maldives Archipelago. Its large lagoon area has undergone visible changes in the last decade due to
natural causes like El Nino and other anthropogenic interferences (Viner and Agnew, 1999). Generally
information on octocoral fauna from the Maldives, Lakshadweep and south west coast of Indian Territory
is very limited. Gardiner (1903) made a broad survey of the fauna and geography of the Maldives and
Laccadive Archipelago during an expedition conducted in 1899 and 1900. Apart from the ‘Investigator
Expedition’ collections (Thomson and Henderson, 1906 and Thomson and Simpson, 1909), the
taxonomic reports on Lakshadweep soft corals are found in the publications of Pratt (1903, 1905),
Hickson (1903, 1905), Ofwegen and Vennam (1991), Alderslade and Shirwaiker (1991) and Vennam and
Ofwegen (1996).
There are fundamental gaps in the basic distribution and status information for much of the reef fauna
of Lakshadweep islands. No octocorals have been recorded in the Minicoy Island reefs. The present paper
reports on a survey of Minicoy Island reef sites to record biodiversity and distribution of octocorals. We
present a preliminary systematic list of octocorals as well as information on their abundance and
distributional patterns on the reefs.
Figure 2. Map showing Lakshadweep islands and
Minicoy Atoll.
2
METHODOLOGY
Field observations were made and octocoral samples were collected in December 2005 and January
2006 at three sites: one within the lagoon (Site A; Figure 3) at a depth range of 5-10m and two locations
(Site B and C; Figure 3) outside the lagoon crest at a depth of <40m. The three sites were selected along
the windward reefs with one near the western boat channel (Site A: 8˚31’N; 55˚03’E) and two at
shipwreck sites (Site B: 8˚31’N; 55˚07’E and Site C: 8˚29’N; 55˚07E) in the northeastern region (Figure
3). At each site, the details of habitat and other field conditions were recorded. The reefs were reached
mainly by boat and the collections were made using SCUBA. Most of the photographic records were
collected ex situ as strong currents didn’t support quality in situ pictures.
The octocorals treated in this paper were collected from Minicoy by the first author. All specimens
apart from the dry fragments of Acabaria variabilis are preserved in 70% alcohol. All specimens were
deposited in the Northern Territory Museum (NTM), Darwin, Australia. The underwater abundance
estimates of the genera were made visually and divided into four categories: Rare, Sporadic, Abundant
and Dominant.
Identifications were made by examining sclerite preparations which were dissolved in 10% sodium
hypochlorite following Fabricius and Alderslade (2001) and the subsequent confirmation by Dr. Phil
Alderslade, NTM, Darwin, Australia.
Figure 3. Map showing the survey sites in Minicoy atoll, Lakshadweep.
3
RESULTS
Fifty six collections yielded 53 species of which 44 were alcyoniids and 9 gorgonids. All were new
biogeographical records for Minicoy Atoll. Identifications were made based on the variations in sclerites
within each genus. Ten of these species were new records to Lakshadweep islands and six are new to
India. The complete classification list with Museum inventory numbers and previous references from
Lakshadweep and Maldives are given in Table 1. The present collection comprises 13 genera dominated
by seven genera of three soft coral families viz. Alcyoniidae, Neptheidae and Nidallidae of the Alcyonina
group, followed by six genera of four gorgonian families Melithaeidae of the Scleraxonia group,
Acanthogorgiidae, Plexauridae of suborder Holaxonia, and Ellisellidae of suborder Calcaxonia.
Soft corals dominated in distribution and diversity. We recorded 16 species of Sinularia (Plates 11 to
16) followed by 13 species of Lobophytum (Plates 7 to 10), 7 species of Dendronephthya (Plates 1 to 4), 6
species of Sarcophyton (Plates 17 to 22) and one species each of Klyxum (Plates 23 and 24),
Scleronephthya (Plates 5 and 6) and Siphonogorgia (Plates 25 and 26). The gorgonian distribution was
dominated by Wrightella sp.1 (Plates 27 and 28), Wrightella sp.2 (Plate 29) and Acanthogorgia sp.1
(Plate 34) and Acanthogorgia sp.2 (Plate 35) with 2 species each, followed by one species each of
Verucella (Plates 37 and 38), Astrogorgia (Plates 32 and 33), Echinogorgia (Plate 36) and Acabaria
variabilis (Plates 30 and 31). All species except Acabaria variabilis require extensive taxonomic revision
to identify beyond the genus level. Of the genera recorded, all are new records to Lakshadweep islands
except Lobophytum, Sinularia and Sarcophyton. The genera Klyxum, Scleronephthya, Siphonogorgia,
Wrightella, Astrogorgia and Acanthogorgia are new records to India
Minicoy is a typical atoll with an outer reef close to shore stretching from a shallow reef-flat and
dropping to hundreds of meters deep very steeply. Site B and C encompass shipwrecks with corals
growing on the stern, wheel, ladders etc. of each sunken ship. Abundant reef fishes were observed among
the shipwreck sites. All three sites (A, B and C) showed rich and diverse coral coverage with an
abundance of soft corals. Sinularia, Lobophytum, Sarcophyton and Dendronephthya are highly abundant
in the shallow reef habitats (5-12m) and were found even in habitats exposed to strong tidal currents and
wave actions. Usually Sarcophyton, Lobophytum, Sinularia created a monospecific carpet composed of
numerous colonies locally covering several meters. They are dense in the shipwreck areas, occupying
niches along the stern of the ship. Widely scattered sporadic colonies of gorgonians were observed from 7
to 36m depth along the northeastern reef crest of the atoll. Below 22m, Sinularia and Lobophytum became
scarcer while Dendronepthya and Sarcophyton were abundant in the shallows but sporadic at depth.
Klyxum and Scleronephthya were generally rare.
Gorgonians such as Acabaria variabilis and Wrightella were mostly found overhanging in the niches
below the reef edge and in shipwreck crevices shielded from direct sunlight. It is interesting to note that
octocorals survive in both calm, deeper waters with excellent visibility (to 18m) and at depths less than
6m where they endure heavy wave action near the reef crest.
DISCUSSION
Only a few papers have been published on the octocorals of Lakshadweep Island and so far no
records from Minicoy atoll. Hence no comparisons can be made concerning the diversity or distribution
patterns of octocorals other than the comparison with other island records of Lakshadweep and
neighboring islands of Maldives. It is noted that alcyoniids show a widespread distributional pattern,
indicating a need for further octocoral surveys to determine the true range of distribution of various soft
coral taxa.
Hickson (1903, 1905) and Pratt (1903, 1905) worked more on the Maldivian specimens. The
“Investigator” collections recorded only six alcyonaceans and few gorgonians (<4) from the littoral area
of Lakshadweep islands, while eight gorgonians and three sea pens were collected from a depth of more
than 1286m. The present collections were from shallow (5–40 m) depth and none of the octocorals were
4
present amongst their material. Thompson and Simpson (1909) described four species of gorgonians from
Lakshadweep viz: Subergorgia ornata, Nicella reticulata, N. pustulosa and Echinomuricea uliginosa.
Three additional gorgonians were reported by Ofwegen and Vennam (1991). From the 1985 to 1989 and
1992 collections by National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India, the soft coral fauna of Lakshadweep
was reported by Ofwegen and Vennam (1991) (19 species), Alderslade and Shirwaiker (1991) (17
species) and Vennam and Ofwegen (1996) (11 species). All soft coral fauna from Lakshadweep are also
collected from various other islands such as Kavaratti, Kadmat, Bangaarum, Agatti and Androth. The
present inclusion of 53 species of octocorals with 44 Alcyoniids (4 new genera) and 9 gorgonids (6 new
genera) increase the Lakshadweep octocoral list to 97 soft corals and 26 gorgonians known to date.
Among the 13 listed genera, 10 form first records for the Lakshadweep islands i.e., Klyxum,
Dendronephthya, Scleronephthya, Siphonogorgia, Acabaria, Wrightella, Acanthogorgia, Echinogorgia,
Astrogorgia and Verucella. In addition, collections made at Kavaratti, Kadmat and Agatti islands by the
first author (Unpublished) yielded other new records and will increase the species list for Lakshadweep.
From the present overall objective of the survey to investigate the octocoral fauna of Minicoy atoll,
the results indicate that octocorals are abundant both in the shallow lagoon and the deep outer crest.
Current observation shows that Minicoy has a greater diversity compared to the available information
from other islands of Lakshadweep (53 species of soft corals and 17 gorgonids) and neighboring islands
of Maldives (3 species). Also there is close resemblance between respective faunas in terms of generic
composition (3% overlap). Out of the total 56 materials collected, 80.4% were soft corals and 14.3% were
gorgonians.
Our observations confirmed previous findings (Hickson 1903, 1905; Pratt 1903, 1905) that family
Alcyoniidae is dominant in the Lakshadweep islands, and that in particular reef areas of Minicoy live
coverage of this family can account for more than 70 to 75% of the total surface area. These colonies
propagate asexually which is known to cause monospecific aggregations (Benayahu and Loya 1984).
With their less abundant sclerites and flexibility, these intertidal soft corals can withstand high wave
action and currents. It is also understood from the previous Maldivian soft coral reports (Hickson, 1903
and Pratt, 1903, 1905) that Sinularia, Sarcophyton and Lobophytum are the only widely distributed
genera. A striking feature of many alcyonaceans is their patchy distribution (Benayahu and Loya, 1977,
1981; Tursch and Tursch 1982) and this feature may promote varied species composition and abundance
in different localities. In deeper areas, the important limiting factor for alcyonacean distribution is the
availability of firm substratum suitable for the larvae to settle. Competitive interactions with other reef
organisms clearly play an important role in determining the distribution of soft corals (Benayahu and
Loya 1981, 1982; Sammarco et al 1983) and it is also suggested that the abundance of alcyonaceans could
be regulated by difference in life history parameters, mainly reproductive stages. It was also reported that
the rare occurrence of nephtheids is due to their reproductive potential and short distance dispersal of
planulae (Benayahu 1985). Life history studies on these soft corals would provide additional explanation
for the distributional patterns of the various species.
The associated assemblages observed in the present survey reveal that there were almost no branching
corals, and the sites appear to be overgrown by brown and green algae and the sea grass Thallassia sp.
Some massive corals were found, including a colony of Favites of approximately 4m in diameter. It is
reported in general that when there are more living scleractinians, there will be less alcyonaceans and vice
versa (Fishelson 1970). This selective occurrence seems to be controlled by environmental factors or by
competition. Scleractinians are more adapted to withstand wave actions; whereas alcyonaceans may be
less sensitive to sedimentation. The important factors that affect the coral growth at these islands include
wave action, sedimentation, extreme low tides, coastal erosion and anthropogenic destructions, such as
coral mining by dredging (for building construction), pollution by agricultural runoff, unmanaged and
destructive fishing, coastal development and the production of lime.
5
CONCLUSIONS
The preliminary survey leaves no doubt about the rich and highly diverse soft coral fauna of Minicoy
Island. Species of Lobophytum, Sinularia and Sarcophyton show different morphometric characters such
as colony, colour and sclerite structures. Identification to species level of these specimens awaits future
research. A detailed descriptive study of those specimens should be carried out to determine if there are
any new species. It is suggested that further exploration would help yield many new alcyonacean records.
The current abundant diversity of octocorals emphasizes the need to implement effective conservation
policies and management programs to promote conservation of this unique reef ecosystem.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We thank Dr. Phil Alderslade, NT Museum, Darwin, Australia for confirming the identity of the
specimens. Our thanks are also due to Dr. Syed Ismail Koya, Department of Science and Technology,
Kavaratti and all the other officials of Minicoy, U.T. Lakshadweep for giving permission to visit the
Lakshadweep islands and carry out the study without any difficulties. The hospitality and local guidance
given by the islanders are greatly appreciated. Our thanks are also due to Dr. Lazarus for the guidance of
the survey through IERSE, Tamil Nadu, India.
6
Table 1. List of new records of Octocorallia (Anthozoa) from Minicoy Atoll, Lakshadweep, along with its abundance and comparison with
previous records from other Lakshadweep islands, India.
Previous records of genus
No.
Genus and species
Previous records of
from other Lakshadweep
Museum of
recorded from
genus from Maldives
Sp.
Abundance islands and Indian coast
ID
Minicoy Island
Classification
Hickson (1903, 1905);
Suborder Alcyoniina:
Sinularia sp.1
C015310 16
Dominant
Ofwegen and Vennam (1991);
Pratt (1903, 1905);
Alcyoniidae
Alderslade
and
Shirwaiker
Sinularia sp.2
C015311
Gardiner (1903)
(1991); Vennam and Ofwegen
Sinularia sp.3
C015315
(1996)
Sinularia sp.4
C015317
Sinularia sp.5
C015319
Sinularia sp.6
C015322
Sinularia sp.7
C015323
Sinularia sp.8
C015326
Sinularia sp.9
C015327
Sinularia sp.10
C015328
Sinularia sp.11
C015329
Sinularia sp.12
C015330
Sinularia sp.13
C015332
Sinularia? sp.14
C015333
Sinularia sp.15
C015335
Sinularia sp.16
C015348
Lobophytum sp.1
C015309 13
Dominant
Ofwegen and Vennam (1991);
Hickson (1903,1905);
Alderslade and Shirwaiker
Pratt (1903, 1905);
Lobophytum sp.2
C015318
(1991); Vennam and Ofwegen
Gardiner (1903)
Lobophytum sp.3
C015321
(1996)
Lobophytum sp.4
C015324
Lobophytum sp.5
C015325
Lobophytum sp.6
C015331
Lobophytum sp.7
C015334
Lobophytum sp.8
C015336
Lobophytum sp.9
C015337
Lobophytum sp.10
C015340
Lobophytum sp.11
C015341
Lobophytum sp.12
C015342
Lobophytum sp.13
C015343
Klyxum sp.
C015313 1
Rare
-No Record-No Record-
7
Suborder Alcyoniina:
Alcyoniidae
(continued)
Suborder Alcyoniina:
Nidaliidae
Suborder Alcyoniina:
Nephtheidae
Suborder Scleraxonia:
Melithaeidae
Suborder Holaxonia:
Acanthogorgiidae
Suborder Holaxonia:
Plexauridae
Suborder Calcaxonia:
Ellisellidae
TOTALS
Sarcophyton sp.1
Sarcophyton sp.2
Sarcophyton sp.3
Sarcophyton sp.4
Sarcophyton sp.5
Sarcophyton sp.6
C015312
C015314
C015316
C015320
C015338
C015339
Siphonogorgia sp.
C015357
Dendronephthya sp.1
Dendronephthya sp.2
Dendronephthya sp.3
Dendronephthya sp.4
Dendronephthya sp.5
Dendronephthya sp.6
Dendronephthya sp.7
Scleronephthya sp.
Wrightella sp.1
Wrightella sp.2
Acabaria variabilis
Acanthogorgia sp.1
Acanthogorgia sp.2
Astrogorgia sp.
Echinogorgia sp.
C015352
C015353
C015344
C015346
C015347
C015351
C015354
C015345
C015349
C015498
C015493
C015350
C015358
C015356
Verrucella sp.
13 genera
C015355
6
Abundant
Ofwegen and Vennam (1991);
Alderslade and Shirwaiker
(1991); Vennam and Ofwegen
(1996)
Hickson (1903, 1905);
Pratt (1903, 1905);
Gardiner (1903)
1
Rare
-No Record-
7
Abundant
Mary et al. (2011)
Hickson (1903, 1905);
Pratt (1903, 1905);
Gardiner (1903)
-No Record-
1
2
Rare
Sporadic
-No Record-No Record-
-No Record-No Record-
1
2
Sporadic
Sporadic
Mary et al. (2011)
-No Record-
-No Record-No Record-
1
1
1
Sporadic
Sporadic
Sporadic
-No Record-No RecordMary et al. (2011)
-No Record-No Record-No Record-
53 species
8
PLATE 1
5cm
a. Dendronephthya sp. 1
b. Dendronephthya sp. 4
c. Dendronephthya sp. 5
5cm
d. Dendronephthya sp. 6
9
PLATE 2
a. Scleronephthya sp.
b. Lobophytum sp. 2
c. Lobophytum sp. 4
d. Lobophytum sp. 8
e. Lobophytum sp. 12
10
PLATE 3
a. Sinularia sp. 2
b. Sinularia sp. 5
c. Sinularia sp. 9
d. Sinularia sp. 11
e. Sinularia sp. 12
f. Sinularia sp. 15
11
PLATE 4
a. Sarcophyton sp. 1
b. Sarcophyton sp. 2
c. Sarcophyton sp. 3
d. Sarcophyton sp. 4
e. Sarcophyton sp. 5
f. Sarcophyton sp. 6
12
PLATE 5
a. Klyxum sp. A
b. Klyxum sp. B
c. Siphonogorgia sp. A
d. Siphonogorgia sp. B
e. Wrightella sp. 1A
f. Wrightella sp. 1B
13
PLATE 6
a. Wrightella sp. 2
b. Acabaria variabilis
c. Astrogorgia sp. 1A
d. Astrogorgia sp. 1B
e. Acanthogorgia sp. 1
f. Acanthogorgia sp. 2
14
PLATE 7
a. Echinogorgia sp.
b. Verrucella sp. A
c. Verrucella sp. B
15
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