Chlorodesmis
| Chlorodesmis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Chlorophyta |
| Class: | Bryopsidophyceae |
| Order: | Bryopsidales |
| Family: | Udoteaceae |
| Genus: |
Chlorodesmis Harvey & Bailey, 1841 |
| Type species | |
|
Chlorodesmis comosa |
|
| Species | |
In taxonomy, Chlorodesmis is a genus of green algae, specifically of the Udoteaceae. Algae in this genus produce the toxic diterpene chlorodesmin to defend themselves against generalist herbivores This toxin also kills certain corals that touch the alga. Certain fish like the green coral goby that live in the corals eat the alga to enhance their own toxicity. Other coral dwelling fish like Paragobiodon echinocephalus actively trim the alga even though they don't eat it.
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