P.A. Thomas, A. Sree and M. Bapuji
Abstract
Collection of 25 species of gorgonids is reported for the first time from the newly found ridge reefs of Gopalpur coast (Orissa), Bay of Bengal between 25 m and 35 m isobaths.The gorgonids belonged to 6 families and 18 genera under two sub-orders of Order, Gorgonaceae. Holaxonian species (20) dominate over Scleraxonian species (4) and the family, MuriceidaeVerrill represents 8 genera. The structure and composition of the major taxa and also the number of genera falling under the various families are in full agreement with those collected from any part of the Indo-Pacific.