Zoanthids And Acanthastrea

[ReefArtist]

Hi cschweitzer,
This is something I'm learning real fast. I really like using and researching using the scientific classifications. I purchased a zoanthid from one of the LFS and I thought I would just look it up on the internet to find it's classification. Couldn't, so I posted it on the zoanthid forum and I just got the common name and was told that's all you can get. I was really surprised, but I have to remember this is rather new livestock (compared to orchids). I had a saltwater tank in the early 80's - had no idea what I was doing but neither did anyone else - we've learned a lot since then.

 

[cschweitzer]

http://www.zoaid.com/index.php?modu...&g2_itemId=2404

Reposting this site because you might be interested(don't know if you already checked it out, previously posted in this thread). This is really the only way to scientifically classify the types of zoanthids. Saltwater species(fish and coral alike) break the barriers of taxonomic classifications. Flowers all follow general rules and guidelines, but saltwater animals do not conform. Evolution has left many guidelines for terrestrial animals, because there are specific common entities witin us all. The problem is, 70% of our earth is ocean and we can't just go check it out. Special precautions need to be made, we can only stay under for an allotted time, we need special untensils to see and to breathe, etc.

Some examples of barrier breaking:
-Clownfish are part of two genus, amphiprion and premnas. There are 23 species of clownfish. ALL clownfish can interbreed, not only between species, but also between genus. Every combination is a new classification of clownfish and when created become their own species.

-All acropora in an ocean breed on the same day of the year. Not only do all their species release gametes on the same day, but they can (and only survive because) they interbreed. Evey time two types of acropora interbreed, they create a new species of acropora with genetically similar yet characteristically different from their parent species. If they find a good spot on the reef, you have a new species.

Imagine if these types of interspecies and intergenus reproduction happened on land!! You wouldn't be able to tell a human from a humonkey...

 

[ReefArtist]

You know - LOL - I think the hardest part of all this is getting over the idea that these are not plants! You really put it together for me, I didn't realize how much interspecies/genus reproduction was going on under the moon lighted waters. I also understand the importance then of the DNA testing. This gives me a headache just thinking about it! Thanks for taking the time to give us these great links - very interesting to say the least.

 

[paulhines]

Sounds like we still have issues with the definitions of genus, species and variety. Maybe we're not as smart as we think.

Great discussion, this is what makes me still step back, look at the tanks and say Wow! Fun hobby.