Tribollet Aline auteur aut IRD Pica D. auteur aut IRD Puce S. auteur aut IRD Radtke G. auteur aut IRD Campbell S. E. auteur aut IRD Golubic S. auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf born digital access Stylasterids are azooxanthellate lace corals, which may show an unusual colouration in coral reef ecosystems, ranging from red to purple on the light-exposed side of their colonies. In the present study, it was discovered that the calcareous skeletons of such corals are actually invaded and eroded by cryptic carbonate boring algae that represent Conchocelis phases in the life cycle of bangialean rhodophytes. For the first time, the shape, organisation and distribution of Conchocelis filaments within the skeletons of two different genera of lace corals are reported and documented by light and electron microscopy. Such description and characterisation of Conchocelis can help to distinguish between morphologically and taxonomically different endolithic microorganisms penetrating coral skeletons, including their recognition in fossil borings as indicators of depositional depth, i.e. of the extent of the photic zone and light conditions in ancient marine environments. The results are discussed in the light of a possible symbiotic or parasitic relationship between Conchocelis phases and their stylasterid host corals. specialized Coral reefs Coral skeleton Cryptic development Fossil record Microborers INDONESIE 034 48 4 1855-1862 2018 1867-1616 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010074492 10.1007/s12526-017-0684-5 1867-1616 [F B010074492] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010074492 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/intranet/publi/2018/12/010074492.pdf Accès réservé (Intranet de l'IRD) IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2019-01-10 2023-07-11 fdi:010074492 fre