Distribution of the parasitic gold coral morphotype Savalia savaglia (Bertoloni, 1819) in the eastern Adriatic Sea

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.