A Rare Benthic Ctenophore, <i>Lyrocteis</i> cf. <i>imperatoris</i>, at Mesophotic Depths off Réunion Island

Closed-circuit rebreather diving has opened new opportunities for direct observation of the rich biodiversity of unexplored mesophotic coral ecosystems. We recently encountered four specimens of a rare benthic ctenophore genus, <i>Lyrocteis</i>. The specimens were found on the east coast...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Emilie Boissin, Patrick Plantard, Gilles Siu, Camille Loisil, Nicolas Sparton, Nicole Gravier-Bonnet
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Diversity
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/17/7/447
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Summary:Closed-circuit rebreather diving has opened new opportunities for direct observation of the rich biodiversity of unexplored mesophotic coral ecosystems. We recently encountered four specimens of a rare benthic ctenophore genus, <i>Lyrocteis</i>. The specimens were found on the east coast of Réunion Island off the harbor of Sainte Rose at ~95 m. This finding contributes to the limited number of records of the genus in the Indian Ocean. Continued exploration of mesophotic zones remains essential, as each dive has the potential to reveal remarkable and unexpected discoveries.
ISSN:1424-2818