Zooxanthellate Scleractinian Corals of Jeju Island, Republic of Korea

Abstract

We report on seven zooxanthellate scleractinian corals (hermatypicor reef-building corals) found at the Jeju Island, off the southern coast of Korea.The Jeju Island, located at one of the northern limits of coral distribution in the EastChina Sea, has experienced significant sea surface temperature rises in the pastcentury. In this chapter, we describe the systematic characteristics and identificationkeys of these seven species. This study thus provides a baseline not only forunderstanding coral community structure at the latitudinal limits of distribution,but also for examining ecosystem modification resulting from global warming.tChina Sea, has experienced significant sea surface temperature rises in the pastcentury. In this chapter, we describe the systematic characteristics and identificationkeys of these seven species. This study thus provides a baseline not only forunderstanding coral community structure at the latitudinal limits of distribution,but also for examining ecosystem modification resulting from global warming.