Ecological observations of some common antipatharian corals in the Marine Park of Bunaken (North Sulawesi, Indonesia). Zoological Studies 46(2): 227-241. The ecology of 16 common antipatharian species, living on shallow reefs in Bunaken National Marine Park (North Sulawesi, Indonesia) is described for the first time. The community structure was evaluated using standard ecological parameters. The vertical distribution and habitats of different species are described. Observations on polyp morphology and feeding behavior made in situ are reported, and the most common symbiotic associations are listed. The highly diversified black coral assemblage shows strong site-dependent differences. Generally it is characterized by high values of the H index (1.5-2.5) indicating high diversity and also high values of equitability (of approximately 1) indicating no real dominance but a functional distribution of species. In general, the abundance of black corals increases with depth. The bathymetric distribution and the preferred habitat of each studied species appear to be the result of interactions among both biological (mainly competition involving stony corals) and abiotic factors (mainly water movement). Due to the numerous symbiotic associations involving black corals (especially with crabs, shrimp, and fish), they must be considered a keystone group in the structure of tropical coral reefs.
Ecological Observations of Some Common Antipatharian Corals in the Marine Park of Bunaken (North Sulawesi, Indonesia)
BO, MARZIA;BAVESTRELLO, GIORGIO
2007-01-01
Abstract
Ecological observations of some common antipatharian corals in the Marine Park of Bunaken (North Sulawesi, Indonesia). Zoological Studies 46(2): 227-241. The ecology of 16 common antipatharian species, living on shallow reefs in Bunaken National Marine Park (North Sulawesi, Indonesia) is described for the first time. The community structure was evaluated using standard ecological parameters. The vertical distribution and habitats of different species are described. Observations on polyp morphology and feeding behavior made in situ are reported, and the most common symbiotic associations are listed. The highly diversified black coral assemblage shows strong site-dependent differences. Generally it is characterized by high values of the H index (1.5-2.5) indicating high diversity and also high values of equitability (of approximately 1) indicating no real dominance but a functional distribution of species. In general, the abundance of black corals increases with depth. The bathymetric distribution and the preferred habitat of each studied species appear to be the result of interactions among both biological (mainly competition involving stony corals) and abiotic factors (mainly water movement). Due to the numerous symbiotic associations involving black corals (especially with crabs, shrimp, and fish), they must be considered a keystone group in the structure of tropical coral reefs.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.