Scleractinian corals of Iran
Shokri, M.R.; Kabiri, K. (2025). Scleractinian corals of Iran, in: Shokri, M.R. et al. Coral reefs of Iran: Biodiversity and distribution in extreme environments. Coral Reefs of the World, 22: pp. 51-183. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-00598-4_3
In: Shokri, M.R.; Kabiri, K. (Ed.) (2025). Coral reefs of Iran: Biodiversity and distribution in extreme environments. Coral Reefs of the World, 22. Springer: Cham. ISBN 978-3-032-00597-7. XXVII, 213 pp. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-00598-4, meer
In: Coral Reefs of the World. Springer: Dordrecht. ISSN 2213-719X, meer
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| Abstract |
This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of the scleractinian (hard) corals of Iran, highlighting their taxonomy, distribution, and ecological significance in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Despite harsh environmental extremes—such as high salinity, temperature fluctuations, and recurring bleaching events—Iran’s reefs support a diverse coral fauna, representing a resilient subset of Indo-Pacific taxa. A total of 56 reef-building species across 33 genera and 14 families have been documented, with Iran exhibiting the highest coral diversity in the Persian Gulf, particularly around Larak Island. Acropora and Porites are among the dominant framework-building genera, although Acropora populations have declined by over 90% due to mass bleaching events. The chapter also addresses regional endemism, morphological classifications of coral growth and corallite forms, and species-specific details including abundance, IUCN status, and population trends. High-resolution imagery and taxonomic keys aid in identification. The findings underscore the uniqueness and vulnerability of Iranian coral reefs, advocating for urgent conservation efforts amid ongoing threats from climate change and coastal development. |
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