Loosing sea fan (Echinogorgia reticulata Esper, 1791) and the associated winged oyster (Pteria tortirostris Dunker, 1849)

Abstract

Animal associations occupy a vital position in the terrestrial and aquatic environs and the marine ecosystem being diverse with many examples. A rare association is that of the sea fan Echinogorgia reticulata with the pterid winged oyster Pteria tortirostris. This unusual association was seen as a common behaviour on analysis of many samples. Rapid decline of sea fan populations due to trawling and other anthropogenic hazards has led to a dwindling population of this winged oyster. If the current situation leads to an accelerating decline of sea fans, the oysters have to adapt themselves to alternate hosts, probably leave a live host and look for a non-living substrate. This paper portrays the level of association of the winged oyster with its gorgonian hosts, alternate substrata chosen and destruction of sea fan beds.