Galaxea, Journal of Coral Reef Studies
Online ISSN : 1883-3969
Print ISSN : 1883-0838
ISSN-L : 1883-0838
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Displaying 1-2 of 2 articles from this issue
Photogallery
  • Kent Elson S. Sorgon, Kexya O. Gustilo, Kristyl Ckaye E. Pardo, Victor ...
    Article type: Photogallery
    2024 Volume 26 Issue 1 Pages 1-2
    Published: 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: February 01, 2024
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    Supplementary material
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  • Eri Ikeuchi, Akira Iguchi, Takashi Nakamura, Hironobu Fukami
    Article type: Note
    2024 Volume 26 Issue 1 Pages 3-8
    Published: 2024
    Released on J-STAGE: March 04, 2024
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    Supplementary material

    Coral reef ecosystems have high biodiversity and unique species interactions. One example is predation on corals by parrotfish species, known for their grazing on surfaces of massive Porites stony corals. However, factors causing variations of grazing scars on Porites colonies remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the relationship between ocean depth of Porites colonies, grazing scar ratios, and photosynthetic efficiency, reflecting the health of coral-zooxanthellae symbiosis in Sekisei Lagoon, the largest coral reef in Japan, with distinct seasonality. We documented seasonal variation in photosynthetic efficiency of symbiotic algae and the frequency of grazing scars. Our results suggest that during the cooler season, Porites colonies with higher photosynthetic efficiency may recover from grazing more quickly than colonies with lower photosynthetic efficiency. We also suggest that fish-coral interactions may vary seasonally, possibly in relation to coral reproductive stages and environmental conditions. Further research is needed to understand the complex dynamics of these interactions in coral reefs.

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