Fimbriaphyllia paraancora observed around Okinawa-jima

Abstract

In Japanese coral reefs, the distribution of Fimbriaphyllia paraancora, a species of the family Euphylliidae, had previously been reported only from Amitori Bay of Iriomote-jima, Ogami-jima, and Amami-Oshima. In this study, the presence of this species was confirmed at seven sites around Okinawa-jima, thereby filling the distribution gap along the Ryukyu Archipelago. This finding indicates that the distribution of F. paraancora is broader than previously thought and that the species also inhabits a variety of different reef environments, such as shallow reef slopes at depths less than 20 meters. These results contribute to a better ecological understanding of this species and provide important information for its conservation in the Ryukyu Archipelago.