New records of soft corals (Cnidaria: Octocorallia) at Digha and adjacent areas, West Bengal, India

Abstract

A comprehensive and thorough research study was undertaken in Digha and the neighbouring coastline of West Bengal to investigate the benthic communities in the area. The survey identified a total of 16 species, including 12 previously unrecorded soft coral species at the study sites. As a result of this investigation and considering the existing data, the total number of octocoral species in the region has been revised to 20 species. This research contribution, specifically documented the new record of 12 soft coral species, i.e., Dendronephthya ganjamensis Henderson, 1909; Carijoa riisei (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1860; Muricella ramosa Thomson & Henderson, 1905; Acanthogorgia muricata Verrill, 1883; Menella sp.; Subergorgia suberosa (Pallas, 1766); Acanella robusta Thomson & Henderson, 1906; Junceella juncea (Pallas, 1766); Verrucella umbracula (Ellis & Solander, 1786); Lituaria hicksoni Thomson & Simpson, 1909; Pteroeides punctatum Thomson & Simpson, 1909; and Pennatula indica Thomson & Henderson, 1906 within the study area.