Ecology of Hydrocorals-An Overview of the Relevance of New Conservation Strategies to Counteract Coral Reef Threats

Abstract

Hydrocorals (Phylum Cnidaria, Class Hydrozoa, Genus Millepora ) are recognized as the second most important reef-builders. However, despite their ecological and toxicological relevance, very little scientific research has been conducted on these organisms. Overall, the current landscape of reef-building organisms in the Anthropocene result in discouraging due to climate change. Up to date, the scientific community has proposed some strategies to ameliorate the damage induced to marine species by climate change. However, these efforts have been poorly effective and only considered scleractinian corals (Class Anthozoa), while Hydrocorals remain neglected.