Document Type
Article
Abstract
Rates of linear branch extension were determined for Oculina varicosa for one year on a nearshore, shallow-water reef (6 m] and on a shelf-edge. 0. varicosa coral bank (80 m) off central eastern Florida, U.S.A. Both site and season had a significant effect on growth with most of the variability due to the site factor. Linear branch growth was significantly greater at 80 m (x=16.1 mm/yr) than at 6 m (x= 11.3 mm/yr) although temperature was significantly lower at 80 m than 6 m (x=16.2, 24.6° C, respectively). The growth of the 6-m coral, possessing zooxanthellae, showed a negative response to high sedimentation rates which reduced light levels. Growth rates at both stations showed a positive response to water temperature and solar radiation and a negative response to current velocity.
Publication Date
1982
Recommended Citation
This manuscript is an author version with the final publication available and may be cited as: Reed, J. K. (1982). In situ growth rates of the scleractinian coral Oculina Varicosa occurring with zooxanthellae on 6-m reefs and without on 80-m banks. In E.D. Gomez, C.E. Birkeland, R.W. Buddemeier, R.E. Johannes, J.A. Marsh, Jr., & R. T. Tsuda (Eds.), Proceedings of the Fourth International Coral Reef Symposium, Vol. 2 (pp. 201-206). Manila, Philippines: Marine Science Center.
Comments
Florida Atlantic University. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute contribution 247.