Skeletal linear extension rates of the foliose scleractinian coral Merulina ampliata (Ellis & Solander, 1786) in a turbid environment |
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| Authors: | Angela Dikou |
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| Institution: | Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Sciences, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece |
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| Abstract: | Skeletal linear extension rates of a foliaceous, IndoPacific, skiophilous, heterotrophic, scleractinian Merulina ampliata (Ellis & Solander 1786) were obtained along a sediment/nutrient load gradient at the southern islands of Singapore. Measurements were made during November 1999– November 2000 using the alizarin red‐S staining technique. Suspended particulate matter concentration (r2adj = 0.76), turbidity (r2adj = 0.59), the organic content of suspended sediments (r2 = 0.50), and nitrite‐nitrate concentration (r2adj = 0.50) were significant predictors of the skeletal linear extension rate of M. ampliata. Maximum linear extension growth rates of M. ampliata (mean ± SD: 1.43 ± 0.67–3.26 ± 0.59 cm·year?1) were comparable to 15‐year‐old accounts at the same research sites, indicating adaptation to low‐light, high‐sediment waters. |
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| Keywords: | Coral reefs growth Merulina ampliata regression scleractinia Singapore skeletal linear extension rate suspended particulate matter |
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