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Language: English
Gorgonians are marine coelenterates (referring to the hollow body cavity) of the class Anthozoa., which include sea fans, sea whips, corals, sea anemones, and other related species. Gorgonids are soft corals commonly known as sea fans or sea whips found in coral reefs. In India, they are associated with other species of hard reef corals along the Gulf of Mannar, Tuticorin, Kilakarai, Rameswaram, Nagapatnam, Cuddalore and Chennai on the east coast. They have become an important study object in marine biotechnology due to the presence several chemical compounds with potent anti-microbial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. They have also been exploited for decorative and ornamental purposes in the aquarium trade.
Although the diversity of gorgonid species in Indian waters is high, taxonomic and ecological studies to date are inadequate for reliable identification of most species, preventing rational and sustainable use of this marine resource. This book assesses gorgonid diversity in India, and provides information on their physiology, ecology, and biochemical and pharmaceutical properties.
