Rhytisma is a genus of soft corals that belongs to the family Lemnaliidae. This genus has a wide geographic distribution however despite its wide range, it is a relatively uncommon genus.
The best studied member of this genus is Rhytisma fulvum.
Taxonomy
Species This genus currently contains 10 species. Below is a list of species in the genus :Samimi-Namin K, Benayahu Y, Abadiano AJ, Durkin KM, Ekins M, Quattrini AM, McFadden CS. (2026) Phylogenomics-guided revision of the genus Rhytisma Alderslade, 2000 (Octocorallia: Malacalcyonacea: Lemnaliidae), with descriptions of six new species. Invertebrate Systematics40, IS25068. https://doi.org/10.1071/IS25068
Rhytisma acoronatum Samimi-Namin et al. 2026 Rhytisma calyaceum Samimi-Namin et al. 2026 Rhytisma fulvum- sulphur leather coral (Forskål, 1775) Rhytisma fuscum (Thomson & Henderson, 1906) Rhytisma inaequale Samimi-Namin et al. 2026 Rhytisma karibu Samimi-Namin et al. 2026 Rhytisma monticulum (Verseveldt, 1982) Rhytisma oblongum Samimi-Namin et al. 2026 Rhytisma rubiginosum (Verseveldt, 1969) Rhytisma sperkolae Samimi-Namin et al. 2026
Taxonomic history The genus used to contain four species; R. fulvum, R. fuscum, R. monticulum and R. rubiginosum. A revision of the genus in 2026 expanded the number of species to ten.
References