Koh Li Ling

Position held : Teaching Assistant with the Department of Biological Sciences

Laboratory  : Marine Biology Lab, National University of Singapore

Address :

National University of Singapore
Department of Biological Sciences
Blk S1, 14 Science Drive 4
Singapore 117543

Research Interests: Gorgonians / Reef Survey

MSc Research Topic: Fungi associated with Gorgonians

My publications :

 Koh L.L., T.K. Tan, L. M. Chou and N.K.C. Goh 2000. Fungi Associated with gorgonians in Singapore. Proceedings of the Ninth International Coral Reef Symposium: 521-526.

Koh, L.L., Goh, N.K.C., Chou, L.M. and Tan, Y.W. 2000. Chemical and physical defences of Singapore grogonians (Octocorallia : Gorgonaceae). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 251: 103-115.

Koh L. L., Tan T. K., Chou L. M. and Goh N. K. C. (2002). Antifungal properties of gorgonians: A preliminary study. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 273: 121-130.

Gorgonians Fact Sheet:

Common name: Seafans
Phylum : Coelenterata
Class : Anthozoa
Order : Octocorallia

General Information:

Gorgonians are related to hard corals but lack calcium carbonate skeletons. However, they are not without a skeleton like the soft corals. They have a horny skeleton made up of gorgonin, a proteinaceous material like that of horns.

They are filter feeders and gather planktonic food with their tentacles. Some species possess zooxanthellae, others do not. Azooxanthellate gorgonians depend exclusively on plankton for food while zooxanthellate can use the products of photosynthesis to supplement their food requirements.

How to identify a gorgonian?

It is very easy to differentiate a gorgonian from other coral reef organisms. Gorgonians are usually fan-shaped or in the form of whips. Whip gorgonians can sometimes be mistaken for soft corals. But if you touch a gorgonian, it feels stiff because of the horny skeleton. A soft coral is totally soft.
To tell the species of gorgonians apart, one will have to look at its morphology as well as the structures of sclerites found embedded in the coenenchyme.

Where are they found?

Gorgonians are widespread in their occurrence and can be found from the Arctic to the Antarctic. They can tolerate temperatures of -1oC to 30oC. But like most other coral reef organisms, they are most speciose in the tropical and sub-tropical waters.

They usually occur at greater depths than hard corals. This may be a way to avoid competition with the hard corals. They are commonly found orientated at right angles to the currents to offer maximum exposure to the currents to get a continuous supply of planktonic food.

Growth requirements of a gorgonian

Gorgonians survive best in temperatures of -1oC to 30oC. Gorgonians, especially zooxanthellate species require plenty of light for the zooxanthellae to photosynthesize. Zooxanthellate gorgonians are restricted to the upper 10 m of the reef slope while azooxanthellate species can occur at greater depths. They are also very prone to dislodgement and abrasion, hence are predominantly found on waves-protected slopes. They occur more commonly at sites with strong currents to maximize filter feeding. Gorgonians grow best in clear, non-sedimented waters. Sediments restrict the gaseous exchange of gorgonians and smother the recruits before they even have a chance to grow. They can grow as wide as 3m across if environmental conditions are ideal.

Uses for gorgonians:

• Known for their aesthetic value on coral reefs
• Pharmacutical values such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic and anti-fungal.
• Ancient Chinese used gorgonians for their medicinal values.
• Ancient Greeks used gorgonians in potions and decoctions.
• Today, gorgonian extracts are being used in some skin care products due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Anti-fouling

Astrogorgia sp.	Melithea sp. with polps fully extended.
Gventalina	Junceella with commensal gobies
Melithaea sp.	Solenocaulon sp.

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