Acta Adriatica, Vol. 67 No. 1, 2026.
Short communication, Note
https://doi.org/10.32582/aa.67.1.1
Distribution of the parasitic gold coral morphotype Savalia savaglia (Bertoloni, 1819) in the eastern Adriatic Sea
Jade Hartkamp
; Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences & Technology, Groningen, Netherlands
Hrvoje Čižmek
; Marine Explorers Society – 20000 Leagues, Zadar, Croatia
Barbara Čolić
; Marine Explorers Society – 20000 Leagues, Zadar, Croatia
Petar Kružić
orcid.org/0000-0003-3459-0945
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Croatia
Antonija Matek
orcid.org/0000-0002-2063-3417
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Croatia
Zrinka Ljubešić
orcid.org/0000-0001-5502-3662
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Croatia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The gold coral, Savalia savaglia, is generally considered a rare parasitic parazoanthid mainly found in the Mediterranean Sea, with occasional records in the Atlantic Ocean. Recently, more has come to light regarding its distribution patterns, genetic information, and habitat due to the increased research focus. Listed as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List, S. savaglia requires continued monitoring, and updated assessments of its distribution are crucial. Here, we compile recent data and current knowledge on this species, highlighting both confirmed findings and unresolved questions, like the question of possible cryptic species and obligatory parasitism. We also report new records from the eastern Adriatic Sea, helping to fill the existing gaps in the known distribution of the morphotype S. savaglia.
Keywords
coral populations monitoring; Savalia savaglia; cryptic species; distribution; eastern Adriatic Sea
Hrčak ID:
349000
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2026.
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