A new scleractinian coral <i> Lobophyllia hemprichii</i> (Family Mussidae) reported first time from the Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh, India

Abstract

An extensive survey to explore the diversity and distribution of coral and associated faunal community around the Gulf of Kachchh Islands in India, yielded a new zoogeographical record of a coral species namely, <i>Lobophyllia hemprichii</i> from Pirotan Island, Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh. Literature reveals that 56 species of scleractinian corals have been recorded from the Gulf of Kachchh. Detailed description, distribution and variation in morphological characters of this species were presented in this account.