Parasphaerasclera grayi collected from an un-named outcrop NW Black Rocks in the Kimberley (Photo: Monika Bryce)

Gray's Parasphaeasclera

Parasphaerasclera grayi

These, colourful small soft corals are not often encountered in shallow water. They live in caves and overhangs, which might be difficult to access. They often grow in small groups.

Morphology

Small, finger-like soft corals with large, translucent polyps.

Behaviour

Sessile; Suspension feeder

Method of reproduction

Broadcasting soft corals, which release sperm and eggs into the water where fertilisation occurs. The planktonic larvae settles after days or weeks often far away from the parents.

Habitat

Marine

In shallow waters these soft corals can be normally found in caves and overhangs.

Distribution

This species has a wide distribution in the Indo-Pacific region.

Life Cycle

Sperm and eggs are relaesed into the water where fertilisation occurs.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Anthozoa
Subclass: Octocorallia
Order: Alcyonacea
Family: Parasphaerascleridae
Genus: Parasphaerasclera
Species: grayi
Name Published Year: 1931
Scientific Name Authorship: Thomson & Dean
Commercial Impact: 

None

Conservation Assessment: Least Concern

Net Conservation Benefits Fund

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Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/parasphaerasclera-grayi
Accessed 3 Sep 2023

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