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Travesso M, Missionário M, Cruz S, Calado R, Madeira D. Combined effect of marine heatwaves and light intensity on the cellular stress response and photophysiology of the leather coral Sarcophyton cf. glaucum. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160460. [PMID: 36435249 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine heatwaves (MHW) are threatening tropical coral reef ecosystems, leading to mass bleaching events worldwide. The combination of heat stress with high irradiance is known to shape the health and redox status of corals, but research is biased toward scleractinian corals, while much less is known on tropical symbiotic soft corals. Here, we evaluated the cellular stress response and the photophysiological performance of the soft coral Sarcophyton cf. glaucum, popularly termed as leather coral, under different global change scenarios. Corals were exposed to different light intensities (high light, low light, ∼662 and 253 μmol photons m-2 s-1) for 30 days (time-point 1) and a subsequent MHW simulation was carried out for 10 days (control 26 vs 32 °C) (time-point 2). Subsequently, corals were returned to control temperature and allowed to recover for 30 days (time-point 3). Photophysiological performance (maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), a measure of photosynthetic activity; dark-level fluorescence (F0), as a proxy of chlorophyll a content (Chl a); and zooxanthellae density) and stress biomarkers (total protein, antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, ubiquitin, and heat shock protein 70) were assessed in corals at these three time-points. Corals were especially sensitive to the combination of heat and high light stress, experiencing a decrease in their photosynthetic efficiency under these conditions. Heat stress resulted in bleaching via zooxanthellae loss while high light stress led to pigment (Chl a) loss. This species' antioxidant defenses, and protein degradation were particularly enhanced under heat stress. A recovery was clear for molecular parameters after 30 days of recovery, whereby photophysiological performance required more time to return to basal levels. We conclude that soft corals distributed along intertidal areas, where the light intensity is high, could be especially vulnerable to marine heatwave events, highlighting the need to direct conservation efforts toward these organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Travesso
- ECOMARE-Laboratory for Innovation and Sustainability of Marine Biological Resources, CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Estrada do Porto de Pesca Costeira, 3830-565 Gafanha da Nazaré, Portugal
| | - Madalena Missionário
- ECOMARE-Laboratory for Innovation and Sustainability of Marine Biological Resources, CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Estrada do Porto de Pesca Costeira, 3830-565 Gafanha da Nazaré, Portugal
| | - Sónia Cruz
- ECOMARE-Laboratory for Innovation and Sustainability of Marine Biological Resources, CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Estrada do Porto de Pesca Costeira, 3830-565 Gafanha da Nazaré, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Calado
- ECOMARE-Laboratory for Innovation and Sustainability of Marine Biological Resources, CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Estrada do Porto de Pesca Costeira, 3830-565 Gafanha da Nazaré, Portugal
| | - Diana Madeira
- ECOMARE-Laboratory for Innovation and Sustainability of Marine Biological Resources, CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Estrada do Porto de Pesca Costeira, 3830-565 Gafanha da Nazaré, Portugal.
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Maurer L, Puishys L, Ho NKP, Dahlgren C, Kamerman TY, Martin S, Stamper MA. Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata cultured on a low maintenance line nursery design in The Bahamas. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267034. [PMID: 35468162 PMCID: PMC9037939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acroporid corals are one of the most important corals in the Caribbean because of their role in building coral reefs. Unfortunately, Acropora corals have suffered a severe decline in the last 50 years thus prompting the development of many restoration practices, such as coral nurseries, to increase the abundance of these species. However, many coral nursery designs require constant visits and maintenance limiting restoration to more convenient sites. Additionally, most studies lack the details required for practitioners to make informed decisions about replicating nursery designs. Two line nurseries were monitored for three years in The Bahamas to assess the survival of corals, Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata, as well as evaluate the durability and cost effectiveness of the nursery design. Survivorship ranged from 70 to 97% with one location experiencing significantly higher survivorship. The initial year build-out cost was high for a nursery, $22.97 per coral, but each nursery was comprised of specific materials that could withstand high storm conditions. Some unique aspects of the design included the use of longline clips and large-diameter monofilament lines which allowed for easier adjustments and more vigorous cleaning. The design proved to be very durable with materials showing a life expectancy of five years or more. Additionally, the design was able to withstand multiple hurricanes and winter storm conditions with little to no damage. Only two maintenance visits a year were required reducing costs after construction. After three years, this nursery design showed promising durability of materials and survivorship of both Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata despite being serviced just twice a year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Maurer
- Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States of America
- New College of Florida, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Lauren Puishys
- Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States of America
- New College of Florida, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Nancy Kim Pham Ho
- Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States of America
| | - Craig Dahlgren
- Perry Institute for Marine Science, Waitsfield, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Tanya Y. Kamerman
- Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center, Dania Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Scott Martin
- Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States of America
| | - M. Andrew Stamper
- Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States of America
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Ding DS, Sun WT, Pan CH. Feeding of a Scleractinian Coral, Goniopora columna, on Microalgae, Yeast, and Artificial Feed in Captivity. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113009. [PMID: 34827743 PMCID: PMC8614412 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Coral aquaculture is an innovative and sustainable aquaculture industry. Coral husbandry can address ecological environment conservation needs and industrial demand for corals. Many previous studies have confirmed that corals also belong to heterotrophic organisms. Heterotrophic feeding is essential for overcoming nutrient deficiency. The preliminary results of this study indicate that Goniopora columna have high levels of proteases, and artificial feeds containing high protein can be used for feeding during aquaculture, which can increase the growth rate. In conclusion, we have initially explored that Goniopora columna will have better growth by feeding artificial PUFA rich in animal protein. In addition, the best feeding time is 6:00–12:00 in the morning, when there is better digestion and absorption. It is hoped that this research will be helpful to the development of coral aquaculture in the future. Abstract Nutritional requirements are critical in the process of coral aquaculture. In addition to energy from symbiotic algae, corals obtain sufficient nutrition through heterotrophic feeding. Microalgae and yeast are commonly used as nutritional supplements for many aquaculture organisms. In addition, if artificial feed can match or improve upon the nutritional supplementation provided by microalgae and yeast in the case of G. columna, then feeding this coral would be markedly easier. Hence, this article preliminarily discusses feeds suitable for G. columna. In this study, artificial PUFA rich in animal protein (R), Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Isochrysis galbana tml, and Nannochloropsis oculate were fed to G. columna at quantities of 5% and 10% of body weight. Growth, survival, body composition, and digestive enzymes were assessed. Regarding body composition, the coral’s protein content is higher than that of carbohydrate or fat; thus, evaluating the heterotrophic nutrition of G. columna by using protein absorption is appropriate. The protease content is also high in digestive enzymes. Protein content, protease activity, and specific growth rate were significantly higher in the R group than in other groups. The number of polyps in the groups fed R at 5% and 10% of body weight increased by 40.00 ± 2.43 and 47.33 ± 0.89 number, respectively, significantly greater increases than those achieved in the other groups (p < 0.05). Changes in body composition and digestive enzymes over a 24-h period were compared to determine the optimal feeding time. Protein content and protease activity increased markedly between 6:00 and 12:00. The experimental results suggest that R can improve the activity of G. columna digestive enzymes and their protein and lipid content in body tissue, shorten the cultivation time, and enhance the profitability of coral aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Sing Ding
- Ph.D. Program of Aquatic Science and Technology in Industry, College of Hydrosphere Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, No. 142, Haijhuan Rd., Nanzih District, Kaohsiung 811213, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| | - Wei-Ting Sun
- Department and Graduate Institute of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, No. 142, Haijhuan Rd., Nanzih District, Kaohsiung 811213, Taiwan; (W.-T.S.); (C.-H.P.)
| | - Chih-Hung Pan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, No. 142, Haijhuan Rd., Nanzih District, Kaohsiung 811213, Taiwan; (W.-T.S.); (C.-H.P.)
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Olguín-Jacobson C, Pitt KA. Symbiotic microalgae do not increase susceptibility of zooxanthellate medusae (Cassiopea xamachana) to herbicides. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 236:105866. [PMID: 34052718 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Herbicides are among the most detected pesticides in coastal environments. Herbicides may impact non-target organisms, but invertebrates that have a symbiotic relationship with microalgae (zooxanthellae) may be particularly susceptible. How zooxanthellae influence the response of organisms to herbicides, however, remains untested. We exposed zooxanthellate and azooxanthellate Cassiopea xamachana medusae to environmentally relevant concentrations of the herbicide atrazine (0 µg L - 1, 7 µg L - 1 and 27 µg L - 1) for 20 days. We hypothesised that atrazine would have adverse effects on the size, rate of bell contractions and, respiration of medusae, but that effects would be more severe in zooxanthellate than azooxanthellate medusae. We also predicted that photosynthetic efficiency, chlorophyll a (Chla) content and zooxanthellae density would decrease in zooxanthellate medusae exposed to atrazine. Both zooxanthellate and azooxanthellate medusae shrank, yet the size-specific respiration rates were not constant during the experiment. Photosynthetic efficiency of zooxanthellate medusae significantly decreased at 7 and 27 µgL-1 atrazine, but atrazine did not affect the Chla content or zooxanthellae density. Our results showed that even though atrazine inhibited photosynthesis, zooxanthellae were not expelled from the host. We conclude that the presence of zooxanthellae did not increase the susceptibility of C. xamachana medusae to atrazine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Olguín-Jacobson
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, South Australia.
| | - Kylie A Pitt
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, South Australia
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A novel system for intensive Diadema antillarum propagation as a step towards population enhancement. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11244. [PMID: 34045538 PMCID: PMC8160213 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90564-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The long-spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum was once an abundant reef grazing herbivore throughout the Caribbean. During the early 1980s, D. antillarum populations were reduced by > 93% due to an undescribed disease. This event resulted in a lack of functional reef herbivory and contributed to ongoing ecological shifts from hard coral towards macroalgae dominated reefs. Limited natural recovery has increased interest in a range of strategies for augmenting herbivory. An area of focus has been developing scalable ex situ methods for rearing D. antillarum from gametes. The ultimate use of such a tool would be exploring hatchery origin restocking strategies. Intensive ex situ aquaculture is a potentially viable, yet difficult, method for producing D. antillarum at scales necessary to facilitate restocking. Here we describe a purpose-built, novel recirculating aquaculture system and the broodstock management and larval culture process that has produced multiple D. antillarum cohorts, and which has the potential for practical application in a dedicated hatchery setting. Adult animals held in captivity can be induced to spawn year-round, with some evidence for annual and lunar periodicity. Fecundity and fertilization rates are both consistently very high, yet challenges persist in both late stage larval development and early post-settlement survival. Initial success was realized with production of 100 juvenile D. antillarum from ~ 1200 competent larvae. While the system we describe requires a significant level of investment and technical expertise, this work advances D. antillarum culture efforts in potential future hatchery settings and improves the viability of scalable ex situ production for population enhancement.
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Fifer J, Bentlage B, Lemer S, Fujimura AG, Sweet M, Raymundo LJ. Going with the flow: How corals in high-flow environments can beat the heat. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:2009-2024. [PMID: 33655552 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Coral reefs are experiencing unprecedented declines in health on a global scale leading to severe reductions in coral cover. One major cause of this decline is increasing sea surface temperature. However, conspecific colonies separated by even small spatial distances appear to show varying responses to this global stressor. One factor contributing to differential responses to heat stress is variability in the coral's micro-environment, such as the amount of water flow a coral experiences. High flow provides corals with a variety of health benefits, including heat stress mitigation. Here, we investigate how water flow affects coral gene expression and provides resilience to increasing temperatures. We examined host and photosymbiont gene expression of Acropora cf. pulchra colonies in discrete in situ flow environments during a natural bleaching event. In addition, we conducted controlled ex situ tank experiments where we exposed A. cf. pulchra to different flow regimes and acute heat stress. Notably, we observed distinct flow-driven transcriptomic signatures related to energy expenditure, growth, heterotrophy and a healthy coral host-photosymbiont relationship. We also observed disparate transcriptomic responses during bleaching recovery between the high- and low-flow sites. Additionally, corals exposed to high flow showed "frontloading" of specific heat-stress-related genes such as heat shock proteins, antioxidant enzymes, genes involved in apoptosis regulation, innate immunity and cell adhesion. We posit that frontloading is a result of increased oxidative metabolism generated by the increased water movement. Gene frontloading may at least partially explain the observation that colonies in high-flow environments show higher survival and/or faster recovery in response to bleaching events.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Fifer
- University of Guam Marine Laboratory, UOG Station, Mangilao, GU, USA.,Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bastian Bentlage
- University of Guam Marine Laboratory, UOG Station, Mangilao, GU, USA
| | - Sarah Lemer
- University of Guam Marine Laboratory, UOG Station, Mangilao, GU, USA
| | | | - Michael Sweet
- Aquatic Research Facility, Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - Laurie J Raymundo
- University of Guam Marine Laboratory, UOG Station, Mangilao, GU, USA
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Slagel S, Lohr K, O'Neil K, Patterson J. Growth, calcification, and photobiology of the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis in natural versus artificial light. Zoo Biol 2021; 40:201-207. [PMID: 33544909 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Land-based coral culture is of increasing interest for conservation and educational display. Shallow water corals generate most of their energy from photosynthesis, and light is a critical abiotic factor in their husbandry. We compared growth, calcification, and photobiology in the coral Acropora cervicornis between natural and artificial (light-emitting diode; LED) light to better understand the impact of light source on coral performance. One tank of a greenhouse recirculating system at The Florida Aquarium's Center for Conservation was used to culture replicate coral colonies. Half of the tank and corals were covered to block sunlight and illuminated with a commercial reef aquarium LED fixture, while the other half was exposed to natural sunlight. Treatments were matched in terms of maximum photosynthetically active radiation and spectral measurements characterized both light regimes. Coral growth and calcification were tracked over a period of 19 weeks by repeated measurements of total linear extension (TLE) and buoyant weight. For the first 5 weeks, photosynthetic yield was measured weekly using a pulse-amplitude-modulated fluorometer. Calcification was significantly higher under LED lighting relative to natural light, but TLE did not differ. Photobiology data suggest that corals in both treatments were acclimated to the same light level, but photosynthetic efficiency was ultimately greater in the natural light treatment. More consistent light delivery and different spectral composition under LED treatment conditions may explain the incongruity between calcification and photosynthetic efficiency. This experiment informs husbandry of shallow-water scleractinian corals maintained in both natural sunlight and enclosed structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Slagel
- Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida/IFAS, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Kathryn Lohr
- Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida/IFAS, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Keri O'Neil
- Center for Conservation, The Florida Aquarium, Apollo Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Joshua Patterson
- Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida/IFAS, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Center for Conservation, The Florida Aquarium, Apollo Beach, Florida, USA
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Huang YL, Mayfield AB, Fan TY. Effects of feeding on the physiological performance of the stony coral Pocillopora acuta. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19988. [PMID: 33203892 PMCID: PMC7673984 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76451-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reef-building corals rely on both heterotrophy and endosymbiotic dinoflagellate autotrophy to meet their metabolic needs. Those looking to culture these organisms for scientific or industrial purposes must therefore consider both feeding regimes and the light environment. Herein the effects of three photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) levels were assessed in fed and unfed specimens of the model coral Pocillopora acuta that were cultured in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Half of the corals were fed Artemia sp. brine shrimp in a separate feeding tank to prevent biofouling, and fragments were exposed to PAR levels of 105, 157, or 250 μmol quanta m-2 s-1 over a 12-h period each day. All cultured corals survived the 140-day treatment, and the physiological response variables assessed-buoyant weight, specific growth rate, linear extension, color, and Fv/Fm-were significantly influenced by feeding, and, to a lesser extent, light. Specifically, fed corals grew faster and larger, and presented darker pigmentation; corals fed at the highest light levels grew at the fastest rate (6 cm year-1 or 175 mg g-1 week-1). Given the high physiological performance observed, we advocate the active feeding of brine shrimp in RAS by those looking to cultivate P. acuta, and likely other corals, over long-term timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Leng Huang
- Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong Hwa University, Pingtung, 944, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Anderson B Mayfield
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, 944, Taiwan, ROC
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Tung-Yung Fan
- Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong Hwa University, Pingtung, 944, Taiwan, ROC.
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, 944, Taiwan, ROC.
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Martínez-Dios A, Pelejero C, López-Sanz À, Sherrell RM, Ko S, Häussermann V, Försterra G, Calvo E. Effects of low pH and feeding on calcification rates of the cold-water coral Desmophyllum dianthus. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8236. [PMID: 31915573 PMCID: PMC6942680 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold-Water Corals (CWCs), and most marine calcifiers, are especially threatened by ocean acidification (OA) and the decrease in the carbonate saturation state of seawater. The vulnerability of these organisms, however, also involves other global stressors like warming, deoxygenation or changes in sea surface productivity and, hence, food supply via the downward transport of organic matter to the deep ocean. This study examined the response of the CWC Desmophyllum dianthus to low pH under different feeding regimes through a long-term incubation experiment. For this experiment, 152 polyps were incubated at pH 8.1, 7.8, 7.5 and 7.2 and two feeding regimes for 14 months. Mean calcification rates over the entire duration of the experiment ranged between −0.3 and 0.3 mg CaCO3 g−1d−1. Polyps incubated at pH 7.2 were the most affected and 30% mortality was observed in this treatment. In addition, many of the surviving polyps at pH 7.2 showed negative calcification rates indicating that, in the long term, CWCs may have difficulty thriving in such aragonite undersaturated waters. The feeding regime had a significant effect on skeletal growth of corals, with high feeding frequency resulting in more positive and variable calcification rates. This was especially evident in corals reared at pH 7.5 (ΩA = 0.8) compared to the low frequency feeding treatment. Early life-stages, which are essential for the recruitment and maintenance of coral communities and their associated biodiversity, were revealed to be at highest risk. Overall, this study demonstrates the vulnerability of D. dianthus corals to low pH and low food availability. Future projected pH decreases and related changes in zooplankton communities may potentially compromise the viability of CWC populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carles Pelejero
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, Espanya.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Catalonia, Espanya
| | - Àngel López-Sanz
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, Espanya
| | - Robert M Sherrell
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Stanley Ko
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Verena Häussermann
- Escuela de Ciencias del Mar/Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,Huinay Scientific Field Station, Huinay, Chile
| | - Günter Försterra
- Escuela de Ciencias del Mar/Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,Huinay Scientific Field Station, Huinay, Chile
| | - Eva Calvo
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, Espanya
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Ligson CA, Tabalanza TD, Villanueva RD, Cabaitan PC. Feasibility of early outplanting of sexually propagated
Acropora verweyi
for coral reef restoration demonstrated in the Philippines. Restor Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charlon A. Ligson
- The Marine Science InstituteUniversity of the Philippines Quezon City 1101 Philippines
| | - Tracy D. Tabalanza
- The Marine Science InstituteUniversity of the Philippines Quezon City 1101 Philippines
| | - Ronald D. Villanueva
- The Marine Science InstituteUniversity of the Philippines Quezon City 1101 Philippines
| | - Patrick C. Cabaitan
- The Marine Science InstituteUniversity of the Philippines Quezon City 1101 Philippines
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Kou R, Wang T, Chen Z, Zhu R, Cai H, Pang H, Xuan S, Liu G. Controlling Hydrogel Properties by the Cooperative Harvesting of the Components of Sunlight. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:13110-13115. [PMID: 31523972 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b02244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The utilization of the full spectrum of sunlight from ultraviolet to infrared to cooperatively control the properties of hydrogels is the key to developing efficient sunlight-responsive hydrogels, but there are significant challenges. The photoresponsive hydrogel developed here formed by azobenzene-containing polyzwitterionic chains possesses capabilities for simultaneously utilizing light from the ultraviolet to the infrared to cooperatively facilitate the gel-to-sol transitions. The ultraviolet and visible light can be converted into mechanical energy simultaneously to synergistically power the dynamic wagging of azobenzene groups, while the infrared light can be converted into kinetic energy of the zwitterionic groups to promote the wagging of the azobenzene groups. Cooperative action between the major components of sunlight can be applied to control a range of important properties of the hydrogel including wettability, adhesion, molecular release, self-healing, and mineralization. The work presented here demonstrates a novel strategy for harvesting all the major components of sunlight to control the properties of photoresponsive materials.
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12
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Freire I, Gutner-Hoch E, Muras A, Benayahu Y, Otero A. The effect of bacteria on planula-larvae settlement and metamorphosis in the octocoral Rhytisma fulvum fulvum. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223214. [PMID: 31568517 PMCID: PMC6768449 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
While increasing evidence supports a key role of bacteria in coral larvae settlement and development, the relative importance of environmentally-acquired versus vertically-transferred bacterial population is not clear. Here we have attempted to elucidate the role of post-brooding-acquired bacteria on the development of planula-larvae of the octocoral Rhytisma f. fulvum, in an in vitro cultivation system employing different types of filtered (FSW) and autoclaved (ASW) seawater and with the addition of native bacteria. A good development of larvae was obtained in polystyrene 6-well cell culture plates in the absence of natural reef substrata, achieving a 60–80% of larvae entering metamorphosis after 32 days, even in bacteria-free seawater, indicating that the bacteria acquired during the brooding period are sufficient to support planulae development. No significant difference in planulae attachment and development was observed when using 0.45 μm or 0.22 μm FSW, although autoclaving the 0.45 μm FSW negatively affected larval development, indicating the presence of beneficial bacteria. Autoclaving the different FSW homogenized the development of the larvae among the different treatments. The addition of bacterial strains isolated from the different FSW did not cause any significant effect on planulae development, although some specific strains of the genus Alteromonas seem to be beneficial for larvae development. Light was beneficial for planulae development after day 20, although no Symbiodinium cells could be observed, indicating either that light acts as a positive cue for larval development or the presence of beneficial phototrophic bacteria in the coral microbiome. The feasibility of obtaining advanced metamorphosed larvae in sterilized water provides an invaluable tool for studying the physiological role of the bacterial symbionts in the coral holobiont and the specificity of bacteria-coral interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Freire
- Instituto de Acuicultura and Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Edificio CIBUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, SPAIN
| | - Eldad Gutner-Hoch
- School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel–Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrea Muras
- Instituto de Acuicultura and Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Edificio CIBUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, SPAIN
| | - Yehuda Benayahu
- Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel
| | - Ana Otero
- Instituto de Acuicultura and Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Edificio CIBUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, SPAIN
- * E-mail:
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13
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Zawada KJA, Madin JS, Baird AH, Bridge TCL, Dornelas M. Morphological traits can track coral reef responses to the Anthropocene. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J. A. Zawada
- Centre for Biological Diversity, Scottish Oceans Institute University of St. Andrews St. Andrews UK
- Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Joshua S. Madin
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology University of Hawai‘i at Manoa Kaneohe Hawai‘i
| | - Andrew H. Baird
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Tom C. L. Bridge
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
- Biodiversity and Geosciences Program, Museum of Tropical Queensland Queensland Museum Network Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Maria Dornelas
- Centre for Biological Diversity, Scottish Oceans Institute University of St. Andrews St. Andrews UK
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14
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Abstract
Herein we propose an ambitious confrontation of the current coral reef crisis through the establishment of a "Coral Hospital." In an analogous manner to a human hospital, "sick" corals will first be diagnosed either in situ or in the hospital's diagnostic "clinic" such that the root cause of illness can be discerned (e.g., disease, high temperatures, or pollutant stress). Then, corals will be "treated" (when necessary) and allowed to "convalesce" in precisely controlled coral husbandry facilities. Upon "rehabilitation," the recovered corals will be returned to their home reef (if this reef was not found to have degraded), or, alternatively, to a site featuring oceanographic conditions favoring a high level of health, as determined by husbandry experiments performed in other hospital "wards." When possible, diagnostic data from the sick corals (i.e., the underlying cause of sickness) will be used to guide environmental remediation schemes aimed at promoting coral resilience in the ocean. If the home reef improves to an appreciable extent during the time the corals are "hospitalized," these corals could be replanted there upon rehabilitation. Regardless of the site of outplanting, recuperated corals will be monitored over time to validate the "quality of care" in the hospital. In the event that the home reefs suffer to such an extent that environmental mitigation is no longer possible, coral gametes will be collected and cryopreserved such that they may be fertilized, reared in officinarum, and later reseeded once/if global marine conditions again permit coral survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson B Mayfield
- 1Taiwan Coral Research Center, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Checheng, Taiwan
| | - Sujune Tsai
- 2Department of Post-Modern Agriculture, Ming-Dao University, Beidou, Taiwan
| | - Chiahsin Lin
- 1Taiwan Coral Research Center, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Checheng, Taiwan.,3Graduate Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong-Hwa University, Checheng, Taiwan
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15
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Conlan JA, Bay LK, Severati A, Humphrey C, Francis DS. Comparing the capacity of five different dietary treatments to optimise growth and nutritional composition in two scleractinian corals. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207956. [PMID: 30485343 PMCID: PMC6261599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing an optimal heterotrophic feeding regime has the potential to improve captive coral growth and health. This study evaluated the efficacy of three exogenous diets: Artemia nauplii (ART), a commercially available coral diet (Reef Roids) (RR), and a novel, micro-bound diet (ATF), against a comparatively natural, unfiltered seawater treatment (RAW), and an unfed, ultra-filtered seawater treatment (CTL), in adult Acropora millepora and Pocillopora acuta nubbins. After 90 days, both species showed significantly positive weight gain in response to one treatment (A. millepora-RAW, P. acuta-ART), and comparatively low growth in response to another (A. millepora-ATF, P. acuta-RR). The results highlighted substantial differences in the nutritional requirements between species. The nutritional composition of A. millepora in the best performing treatment was dominated by high-energy materials such as storage lipids and saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. In contrast, the P. acuta nutritional profile in the superior treatment showed a predominance of structural materials, including protein, phospholipids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. This study demonstrates that Artemia nauplii can successfully replace a natural feeding regime for captive P. acuta, yet highlights the considerable work still required to optimise supplementary feeding regimes for A. millepora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Conlan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Line K. Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrea Severati
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Craig Humphrey
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - David S. Francis
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
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16
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Goergen EA, Gilliam DS. Outplanting technique, host genotype, and site affect the initial success of outplanted Acropora cervicornis. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4433. [PMID: 29507829 PMCID: PMC5834935 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acropora cervicornis is the most widely used coral species for reef restoration in the greater Caribbean. However, outplanting methodologies (e.g., colony density, size, host genotype, and attachment technique) vary greatly, and to date have not been evaluated for optimality across multiple sites. Two experiments were completed during this study, the first evaluated the effects of attachment technique, colony size, and genotype by outplanting 405 A. cervicornis colonies, from ten genotypes, four size classes, and three attachment techniques (epoxy, nail and cable tie, or puck) across three sites. Colony survival, health condition, tissue productivity, and growth were assessed across one year for this experiment. The second experiment assessed the effect of colony density by outplanting colonies in plots of one, four, or 25 corals per 4 m2 across four separate sites. Plot survival and condition were evaluated across two years for this experiment in order to better capture the effect of increasing cover. Colonies attached with a nail and cable tie resulted in the highest survival regardless of colony size. Small corals had the lowest survival, but the greatest productivity. The majority of colony loss was attributed to missing colonies and was highest for pucks and small epoxied colonies. Disease and predation were observed at all sites, but did not affect all genotypes, however due to the overall low prevalence of either condition there were no significant differences found in any comparison. Low density plots had significantly higher survival and significantly lower prevalence of disease, predation, and missing colonies than high density plots. These results indicate that to increase initial outplant success, colonies of many genotypes should be outplanted to multiple sites using a nail and cable tie, in low densities, and with colonies over 15 cm total linear extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Goergen
- Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, USA
| | - David S Gilliam
- Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, USA
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17
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Conlan JA, Humphrey CA, Severati A, Francis DS. Intra-colonial diversity in the scleractinian coral, Acropora millepora: identifying the nutritional gradients underlying physiological integration and compartmentalised functioning. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4239. [PMID: 29404204 PMCID: PMC5793706 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Scleractinian corals are colonial organisms comprising multiple physiologically integrated polyps and branches. Colonialism in corals is highly beneficial, and allows a single colony to undergo several life processes at once through physiological integration and compartmentalised functioning. Elucidating differences in the biochemical composition of intra-colonial branch positions will provide valuable insight into the nutritional reserves underlying different regions in individual coral colonies. This will also ascertain prudent harvesting strategies of wild donor-colonies to generate coral stock with high survival and vigour prospects for reef-rehabilitation efforts and captive husbandry. This study examined the effects of colony branch position on the nutritional profile of two different colony sizes of the common scleractinian, Acropora millepora. For smaller colonies, branches were sampled at three locations: the colony centre (S-centre), 50% of the longitudinal radius length (LRL) (S-50), and the colony edge (S-edge). For larger colonies, four locations were sampled: the colony centre (L-centre), 33.3% of the LRL (L-33), 66.6% of the LRL (L-66), and the edge (L-edge). Results demonstrate significant branch position effects, with the edge regions containing higher protein, likely due to increased tissue synthesis and calcification. Meanwhile, storage lipid and total fatty acid concentrations were lower at the edges, possibly reflecting catabolism of high-energy nutrients to support proliferating cells. Results also showed a significant effect of colony size in the two classes examined. While the major protein and structural lipid sink was exhibited at the edge for both sizes, the major sink for high-energy lipids and fatty acids appeared to be the L-66 position of the larger colonies and the S-centre and S-50 positions for the smaller colonies. These results confirm that the scleractinian coral colony is not nutritionally homogeneous, and while different regions of the coral colony are functionally specialised, so too are their nutritional profiles geared toward meeting specific energetic demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Conlan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig A Humphrey
- The National Sea Simulator, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrea Severati
- The National Sea Simulator, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - David S Francis
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
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18
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Galasso C, Corinaldesi C, Sansone C. Carotenoids from Marine Organisms: Biological Functions and Industrial Applications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2017; 6:E96. [PMID: 29168774 PMCID: PMC5745506 DOI: 10.3390/antiox6040096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
As is the case for terrestrial organisms, carotenoids represent the most common group of pigments in marine environments. They are generally biosynthesized by all autotrophic marine organisms, such as bacteria and archaea, algae and fungi. Some heterotrophic organisms also contain carotenoids probably accumulated from food or partly modified through metabolic reactions. These natural pigments are divided into two chemical classes: carotenes (such as lycopene and α- and β-carotene) that are composed of hydrogen and carbon; xanthophylls (such as astaxanthin, fucoxanthin and lutein), which are constituted by hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. Carotenoids, as antioxidant compounds, assume a key role in the protection of cells. In fact, quenching of singlet oxygen, light capture and photosynthesis protection are the most relevant biological functions of carotenoids. The present review aims at describing (i) the biological functions of carotenoids and their benefits for human health, (ii) the most common carotenoids from marine organisms and (iii) carotenoids having large success in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries, highlighting the scientific progress in marine species cultivation for natural pigments production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Galasso
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Corinaldesi
- Department of Sciences and Engineering of Materials, Environment and Urbanistics, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy.
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19
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Chimetto Tonon LA, Thompson JR, Moreira APB, Garcia GD, Penn K, Lim R, Berlinck RGS, Thompson CC, Thompson FL. Quantitative Detection of Active Vibrios Associated with White Plague Disease in Mussismilia braziliensis Corals. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2272. [PMID: 29204142 PMCID: PMC5698304 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Over recent decades several coral diseases have been reported as a significant threat to coral reef ecosystems causing the decline of corals cover and diversity around the world. The development of techniques that improve the ability to detect and quantify microbial agents involved in coral disease will aid in the elucidation of disease cause, facilitating coral disease detection and diagnosis, identification and pathogen monitoring, pathogen sources, vectors, and reservoirs. The genus Vibrio is known to harbor pathogenic strains to marine organisms. One of the best-characterized coral pathogens is Vibrio coralliilyticus, an aetilogic agent of White Plague Disease (WPD). We used Mussismilia coral tissue (healthy and diseased specimens) to develop a rapid reproducible detection system for vibrios based on RT-QPCR and SYBR chemistry. We were able to detect total vibrios in expressed RNA targeting the 16S rRNA gene at 5.23 × 106 copies/μg RNA and V. coralliilyticus targeting the pyrH gene at 5.10 × 103 copies/μg RNA in coral tissue. Detection of V. coralliilyticus in diseased and in healthy samples suggests that WPD in the Abrolhos Bank may be caused by a consortium of microorganism and not only a single pathogen. We developed a more practical and economic system compared with probe uses for the real-time detection and quantification of vibrios from coral tissues by using the 16S rRNA and pyrH gene. This qPCR assay is a reliable tool for the monitoring of coral pathogens, and can be useful to prevent, control, or reduce impacts in this ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciane A Chimetto Tonon
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry of Biological Systems, Chemical Institute of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil.,Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Janelle R Thompson
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ana P B Moreira
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gizele D Garcia
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kevin Penn
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Rachelle Lim
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Roberto G S Berlinck
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry of Biological Systems, Chemical Institute of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Cristiane C Thompson
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabiano L Thompson
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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20
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Craggs J, Guest JR, Davis M, Simmons J, Dashti E, Sweet M. Inducing broadcast coral spawning ex situ: Closed system mesocosm design and husbandry protocol. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:11066-11078. [PMID: 29299282 PMCID: PMC5743687 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
For many corals, the timing of broadcast spawning correlates strongly with a number of environmental signals (seasonal temperature, lunar, and diel cycles). Robust experimental studies examining the role of these putative cues in triggering spawning have been lacking until recently because it has not been possible to predictably induce spawning in fully closed artificial mesocosms. Here, we present a closed system mesocosm aquarium design that utilizes microprocessor technology to accurately replicate environmental conditions, including photoperiod, seasonal insolation, lunar cycles, and seasonal temperature from Singapore and the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. Coupled with appropriate coral husbandry, these mesocosms were successful in inducing, for the first time, broadcast coral spawning in a fully closed artificial ex situ environment. Four Acropora species (A. hyacinthus, A. tenuis, A. millepora, and A. microclados) from two geographical locations, kept for over 1 year, completed full gametogenic cycles ex situ. The percentage of colonies developing oocytes varied from ~29% for A. hyacinthus to 100% for A. millepora and A. microclados. Within the Singapore mesocosm, A. hyacinthus exhibited the closest synchronization to wild spawning, with all four gravid colonies releasing gametes in the same lunar month as wild predicted dates. Spawning within the GBR mesocosm commenced at the predicted wild spawn date but extended over a period of 3 months. Gamete release in relation to the time postsunset for A. hyacinthus, A. millepora, and A. tenuis was consistent with time windows previously described in the wild. Spawn date in relation to full moon, however, was delayed in all species, possibly as a result of external light pollution. The system described here could broaden the number of institutions on a global scale, that can access material for broadcast coral spawning research, providing opportunities for institutions distant from coral reefs to produce large numbers of coral larvae and juveniles for research purposes and reef restoration efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Craggs
- Aquatic Research Facility Environmental Sustainability Research Centre College of Life and Natural Sciences University of Derby Derby UK.,Horniman Museum and Garden London UK
| | - James R Guest
- School of Natural & Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK.,SECORE International, Inc. Hilliard OH USA
| | | | | | | | - Michael Sweet
- Aquatic Research Facility Environmental Sustainability Research Centre College of Life and Natural Sciences University of Derby Derby UK
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21
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Tilstra A, Wijgerde T, Dini-Andreote F, Eriksson BK, Salles JF, Pen I, Osinga R, Wild C. Light induced intraspecific variability in response to thermal stress in the hard coral Stylophora pistillata. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3802. [PMID: 29038747 PMCID: PMC5640979 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research suggests that prior exposure of several months to elevated irradiance induces enhanced thermal tolerance in scleractinian corals. While this tolerance has been reported at the species level, individual coral colonies may react differently due to individual variability in thermal tolerance. As thermal anomalies are predicted to become common in the upcoming future, intraspecific variation may be key to the survival of coral populations. In order to study light-history based thermal stress responses on individual colonies, we developed a preliminary microcosm experiment where three randomly chosen, aquacultured colonies of the model coral Stylophora pistillata were exposed to two irradiance treatments (200 and 400 μmol photons m-2 s-1) for 31 days, followed by artificially induced heat stress (∼33.4 °C). We found different responses to occur at both the intraspecific and the intracolonial levels, as indicated by either equal, less severe, delayed, and/or even non-necrotic responses of corals previously exposed to the irradiance of 400 compared to 200 μmol photons m-2 s-1. In addition, all individual colonies revealed light-enhanced calcification. Finally, elevated irradiance resulted in a lower chlorophyll a concentration in one colony compared to the control treatment, and the same colony displayed more rapid bleaching compared to the other ones. Taken together, this study highlights the potential importance of intra-individual variability in physiological responses of scleractinian corals and provides recommendations for improving methodological designs for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjen Tilstra
- Department of Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Marine Ecology Group, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | | | - Francisco Dini-Andreote
- Microbial Ecology cluster, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Britas Klemens Eriksson
- Department of Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joana Falcão Salles
- Microbial Ecology cluster, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ido Pen
- Theoretical Research in Evolutionary Life Sciences, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Osinga
- Marine Animal Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Wild
- Marine Ecology Group, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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22
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Cunning R, Muller EB, Gates RD, Nisbet RM. A dynamic bioenergetic model for coral- Symbiodinium symbioses and coral bleaching as an alternate stable state. J Theor Biol 2017; 431:49-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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23
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Farag MA, Fekry MI, Al-Hammady MA, Khalil MN, El-Seedi HR, Meyer A, Porzel A, Westphal H, Wessjohann LA. Cytotoxic Effects of Sarcophyton sp. Soft Corals-Is There a Correlation to Their NMR Fingerprints? Mar Drugs 2017; 15:E211. [PMID: 28677625 PMCID: PMC5532653 DOI: 10.3390/md15070211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcophyton sp. soft corals are rich in cembranoid diterpenes, which represent the main chemical defense of corals against their natural predators in addition to their myriad biological effects in humans. Quantitative NMR (qNMR) was applied for assessing the diterpene variation in 16 soft coral specimens in the context of their genotype, origin, and growing habitat. qNMR revealed high diterpene levels in Sarcophyton sp. compared to Sinularia and Lobophyton, with (ent)sarcophines as major components (17-100 µg/mg) of the coral tissues. Multivariate data analysis was employed to classify samples based on the quantified level of diterpenes, and compared to the untargeted NMR approach. Results revealed that qNMR provided a stronger classification model of Sarcophyton sp. than untargeted NMR fingerprinting. Additionally, cytotoxicity of soft coral crude extracts was assessed against androgen-dependent prostate cancer cell lines (PC3) and androgen-independent colon cancer cell lines (HT-29), with IC50 values ranging from 10-60 µg/mL. No obvious correlation between the extracts' IC50 values and their diterpene levels was found using either Spearman or Pearson correlations. This suggests that this type of bioactivity may not be easily predicted by NMR metabolomics in soft corals, or is not strongly correlated to measured diterpene levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Farag
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr el Aini st., P.B. 11562 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mostafa I Fekry
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr el Aini st., P.B. 11562 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Montasser A Al-Hammady
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Red Sea Branch, 84511 Hurghada, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed N Khalil
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr el Aini st., P.B. 11562 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Hesham R El-Seedi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Division of Pharmacognosy, Uppsala University, Box 574, SE-75 123 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, El-Menoufia University, 32512 Shebin El-Kom, Egypt.
| | - Achim Meyer
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Fahrenheit Str.6, D-28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Andrea Porzel
- Department Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Hildegard Westphal
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Fahrenheit Str.6, D-28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Ludger A Wessjohann
- Department Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
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24
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Olivotto I, Chemello G, Vargas A, Randazzo B, Piccinetti CC, Carnevali O. Marine ornamental species culture: From the past to "Finding Dory". Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 245:116-121. [PMID: 26969243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The present article revises the major topics related to fish and coral reproduction. In particular after a short review of the ornamental trade and the destructive fishing methods that are still used in some areas, the present review revises the principal modes of fish and coral reproduction introducing the main critical bottlenecks in their captive propagation. Regarding fish these include sexing the fish, pair forming, the embryo development, the hatching process and of course the transition from an endogenous to an exogenous feeding by the larvae. As concerns corals, great attention is given to the main modes of reproduction as well as to nutrition and lightening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ike Olivotto
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Giulia Chemello
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Arturo Vargas
- Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Basilio Randazzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Chiara Carla Piccinetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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Osinga R, Derksen-Hooijberg M, Wijgerde T, Verreth JAJ. Interactive effects of oxygen, carbon dioxide and flow on photosynthesis and respiration in the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascicularis. J Exp Biol 2017; 220:2236-2242. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.140509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Rates of dark respiration and net photosynthesis were measured on six replicate clonal fragments of the stony coral Galaxea fascicularis (Linnaeus 1767), which were incubated under twelve different combinations of dissolved oxygen (20%, 100% and 150% saturation), dissolved carbon dioxide (9.5 and 19.1 μmol L−1) and water flow (1-1.6 cm s−1 versus 4-13 cm s−1) in a repeated measures design. Dark respiration was enhanced by increased flow and increased oxygen saturation in an interactive way, which relates to improved oxygen influx into the coral tissue. Oxygen saturation did not influence net photosynthesis: neither hypoxia nor hyperoxia affected net photosynthesis, irrespective of flow and pH, which suggests that hyperoxia does not induce high rates of photorespiration in this coral. Flow and pH had a synergistic effect on net photosynthesis: at high flow, a decrease in pH stimulated net photosynthesis by 14%. These results indicate that for this individual of G. fascicularis, increased uptake of carbon dioxide rather than increased efflux of oxygen explains the beneficial effect of water flow on photosynthesis. Rates of net photosynthesis measured in this study are among the highest ever recorded for scleractinian corals and confirm a strong scope for growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Osinga
- Wageningen University, Aquaculture & Fisheries, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marlous Derksen-Hooijberg
- Wageningen University, Aquaculture & Fisheries, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Radboud University Nijmegen, Aquatic Ecology & Environmental Biology, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Wijgerde
- Wageningen University, Aquaculture & Fisheries, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Coralpublications, Livingstonelaan 1120, 3526 JS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johan A. J. Verreth
- Wageningen University, Aquaculture & Fisheries, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Natural and Synthetic Coral Biomineralization for Human Bone Revitalization. Trends Biotechnol 2016; 35:43-54. [PMID: 27889241 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Coral skeletons can regenerate replacement human bone in nonload-bearing excavated skeletal locations. A combination of multiscale, interconnected pores and channels and highly bioactive surface chemistry has established corals as an important alternative to using healthy host bone replacements. Here, we highlight how coral skeletal systems are being remolded into new calcified structures or synthetic corals by biomimetic processes, as places for the organized permeation of bone tissue cells and blood vessels. Progressive technologies in coral aquaculture and self-organization inorganic chemistry are helping to modify natural corals and create synthetic coral architectures able to accelerate bone regeneration with proper host integration at more skeletal locations, adapted to recent surgical techniques and used to treat intrinsic skeletal deformities and metabolic conditions.
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Browne NK, Tay JKL, Low J, Larson O, Todd PA. Fluctuations in coral health of four common inshore reef corals in response to seasonal and anthropogenic changes in water quality. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 105:39-52. [PMID: 25682391 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Environmental drivers of coral condition (maximum quantum yield, symbiont density, chlorophyll a content and coral skeletal growth rates) were assessed in the equatorial inshore coastal waters of Singapore, where the amplitude of seasonal variation is low, but anthropogenic influence is relatively high. Water quality variables (sediments, nutrients, trace metals, temperature, light) explained between 52 and 83% of the variation in coral condition, with sediments and light availability as key drivers of foliose corals (Merulina ampliata, Pachyseris speciosa), and temperature exerting a greater influence on a branching coral (Pocillopora damicornis). Seasonal reductions in water quality led to high chlorophyll a concentrations and maximum quantum yields in corals, but low growth rates. These marginal coral communities are potentially vulnerable to climate change, hence, we propose water quality thresholds for coral growth with the aim of mitigating both local and global environmental impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola K Browne
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bentley Campus, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Jason K L Tay
- DHI Water and Environment (S) Pte Ltd, 1 Cleantech Loop, #03-05 CleanTech One, 637141, Singapore
| | - Jeffrey Low
- National Biodiversity Centre, National Parks Board, 1 Cluny Road, 259569, Singapore
| | - Ole Larson
- DHI Water and Environment (S) Pte Ltd, 1 Cleantech Loop, #03-05 CleanTech One, 637141, Singapore
| | - Peter A Todd
- Experimental Marine and Ecology Laboratory, Dept. of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore
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Aureisphaera galaxeae gen. nov., sp. nov., a marine member of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from the hard coral Galaxea fascicularis. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2015; 107:1379-86. [PMID: 25795444 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-015-0432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A novel Gram-stain negative, spherical, non-motile, strictly aerobic, heterotrophic, yellow pigmented bacterium, designated strain 04OKA003-7(T) was isolated from the hard coral Galaxea fascicularis L. collected at Akajima, Okinawa, Japan. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed the novel isolate is affiliated with the family Flavobacteriaceae of the phylum Bacteroidetes and that it showed highest sequence similarity (92.9 %) to Vitellibacter aestuarii JC2436(T) and Aureitalea marina S1-66(T). The strain could be differentiated phenotypically from recognized members of the family Flavobacteriaceae. The major fatty acids of strain 04OKA003-7(T) were identified as iso-C15:0 and iso-C17:0 3-OH as defined by the MIDI system. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 41 mol%, the major respiratory quinone was identified as menaquinone 6 (MK-6) and a polar lipid profile was present consisting of phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and an unidentified lipid. From the distinct phylogenetic position and combination of genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, the strain is considered to represent a novel genus for which the name Aureisphaera galaxeae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of A. galaxeae is 04OKA003-7(T) (=KCTC 32993(T) = NBRC 110018(T)).
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Rocha RJM, Silva AMB, Fernandes MHV, Cruz ICS, Rosa R, Calado R. Contrasting light spectra constrain the macro and microstructures of scleractinian corals. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105863. [PMID: 25170981 PMCID: PMC4149485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphological plasticity of scleractinian corals can be influenced by numerous factors in their natural environment. However, it is difficult to identify in situ the relative influence of a single biotic or abiotic factor, due to potential interactions between them. Light is considered as a major factor affecting coral skeleton morphology, due to their symbiotic relation with photosynthetic zooxanthellae. Nonetheless, most studies addressing the importance of light on coral morphological plasticity have focused on photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity, with the effect of light spectra remaining largely unknown. The present study evaluated how different light spectra affect the skeleton macro- and microstructures in two coral species (Acropora formosa sensu Veron (2000) and Stylophora pistillata) maintained under controlled laboratory conditions. We tested the effect of three light treatments with the same PAR but with a distinct spectral emission: 1) T5 fluorescent lamps with blue emission; 2) Light Emitting Diodes (LED) with predominantly blue emission; and 3) Light Emitting Plasma (LEP) with full spectra emission. To exclude potential bias generated by genetic variability, the experiment was performed with clonal fragments for both species. After 6 months of experiment, it was possible to detect in coral fragments of both species exposed to different light spectra significant differences in morphometry (e.g., distance among corallites, corallite diameter, and theca thickness), as well as in the organization of their skeleton microstructure. The variability found in the skeleton macro- and microstructures of clonal organisms points to the potential pitfalls associated with the exclusive use of morphometry on coral taxonomy. Moreover, the identification of a single factor influencing the morphology of coral skeletons is relevant for coral aquaculture and can allow the optimization of reef restoration efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui J. M. Rocha
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
- * E-mail:
| | - Ana M. B. Silva
- Departamento de Engenharia dos Materiais e Cerâmica/CICECO, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - M. Helena Vaz Fernandes
- Departamento de Engenharia dos Materiais e Cerâmica/CICECO, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Igor C. S. Cruz
- Laboratório de Ecologia Marinha - Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes - Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Rui Rosa
- Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Centro de Oceanografia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Cascais, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Calado
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
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Roth MS. The engine of the reef: photobiology of the coral-algal symbiosis. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:422. [PMID: 25202301 PMCID: PMC4141621 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral reef ecosystems thrive in tropical oligotrophic oceans because of the relationship between corals and endosymbiotic dinoflagellate algae called Symbiodinium. Symbiodinium convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into organic carbon and oxygen to fuel coral growth and calcification, creating habitat for these diverse and productive ecosystems. Light is thus a key regulating factor shaping the productivity, physiology, and ecology of the coral holobiont. Similar to all oxygenic photoautotrophs, Symbiodinium must safely harvest sunlight for photosynthesis and dissipate excess energy to prevent oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by environmental stressors such as those associated with global climate change, and ultimately leads to breakdown of the coral-algal symbiosis known as coral bleaching. Recently, large-scale coral bleaching events have become pervasive and frequent threatening and endangering coral reefs. Because the coral-algal symbiosis is the biological engine producing the reef, the future of coral reef ecosystems depends on the ecophysiology of the symbiosis. This review examines the photobiology of the coral-algal symbiosis with particular focus on the photophysiological responses and timescales of corals and Symbiodinium. Additionally, this review summarizes the light environment and its dynamics, the vulnerability of the symbiosis to oxidative stress, the abiotic and biotic factors influencing photosynthesis, the diversity of the coral-algal symbiosis, and recent advances in the field. Studies integrating physiology with the developing "omics" fields will provide new insights into the coral-algal symbiosis. Greater physiological and ecological understanding of the coral-algal symbiosis is needed for protection and conservation of coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S. Roth
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, USA
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Leal MC, Sheridan C, Osinga R, Dionísio G, Rocha RJM, Silva B, Rosa R, Calado R. Marine microorganism-invertebrate assemblages: perspectives to solve the "supply problem" in the initial steps of drug discovery. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:3929-52. [PMID: 24983638 PMCID: PMC4113807 DOI: 10.3390/md12073929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemical diversity associated with marine natural products (MNP) is unanimously acknowledged as the "blue gold" in the urgent quest for new drugs. Consequently, a significant increase in the discovery of MNP published in the literature has been observed in the past decades, particularly from marine invertebrates. However, it remains unclear whether target metabolites originate from the marine invertebrates themselves or from their microbial symbionts. This issue underlines critical challenges associated with the lack of biomass required to supply the early stages of the drug discovery pipeline. The present review discusses potential solutions for such challenges, with particular emphasis on innovative approaches to culture invertebrate holobionts (microorganism-invertebrate assemblages) through in toto aquaculture, together with methods for the discovery and initial production of bioactive compounds from these microbial symbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Costa Leal
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal.
| | - Christopher Sheridan
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Pentagone 2B, 6 Avenue du Champ de Mars, Mons 7000, Belgium.
| | - Ronald Osinga
- Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Gisela Dionísio
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal.
| | - Rui Jorge Miranda Rocha
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal.
| | - Bruna Silva
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal.
| | - Rui Rosa
- Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Centro de Oceanografia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Nossa Senhora do Cabo, 939, Cascais 2750-374, Portugal.
| | - Ricardo Calado
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal.
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Wijgerde T, Silva CIF, Scherders V, van Bleijswijk J, Osinga R. Coral calcification under daily oxygen saturation and pH dynamics reveals the important role of oxygen. Biol Open 2014; 3:489-93. [PMID: 24857847 PMCID: PMC4058083 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20147922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are essential to many nations, and are currently in global decline. Although climate models predict decreases in seawater pH (∼0.3 units) and oxygen saturation (∼5 percentage points), these are exceeded by the current daily pH and oxygen fluctuations on many reefs (pH 7.8-8.7 and 27-241% O2 saturation). We investigated the effect of oxygen and pH fluctuations on coral calcification in the laboratory using the model species Acropora millepora. Light calcification rates were greatly enhanced (+178%) by increased seawater pH, but only at normoxia; hyperoxia completely negated this positive effect. Dark calcification rates were significantly inhibited (51-75%) at hypoxia, whereas pH had no effect. Our preliminary results suggest that within the current oxygen and pH range, oxygen has substantial control over coral growth, whereas the role of pH is limited. This has implications for reef formation in this era of rapid climate change, which is accompanied by a decrease in seawater oxygen saturation owing to higher water temperatures and coastal eutrophication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Wijgerde
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen University and Research Centre, 6709 PG Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Catarina I F Silva
- Biological Oceanography, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 1797 SZ 't Horntje, The Netherlands
| | - Vera Scherders
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen University and Research Centre, 6709 PG Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith van Bleijswijk
- Biological Oceanography, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 1797 SZ 't Horntje, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Osinga
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen University and Research Centre, 6709 PG Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Wijgerde T, van Melis A, Silva CIF, Leal MC, Vogels L, Mutter C, Osinga R. Red light represses the photophysiology of the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92781. [PMID: 24658108 PMCID: PMC3962463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Light spectrum plays a key role in the biology of symbiotic corals, with blue light resulting in higher coral growth, zooxanthellae density, chlorophyll a content and photosynthesis rates as compared to red light. However, it is still unclear whether these physiological processes are blue-enhanced or red-repressed. This study investigated the individual and combined effects of blue and red light on the health, zooxanthellae density, photophysiology and colouration of the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata over 6 weeks. Coral fragments were exposed to blue, red, and combined 50/50% blue red light, at two irradiance levels (128 and 256 μmol m−2 s−1). Light spectrum affected the health/survival, zooxanthellae density, and NDVI (a proxy for chlorophyll a content) of S. pistillata. Blue light resulted in highest survival rates, whereas red light resulted in low survival at 256 μmol m−2 s−1. Blue light also resulted in higher zooxanthellae densities compared to red light at 256 μmol m−2 s−1, and a higher NDVI compared to red and combined blue red light. Overall, our results suggest that red light negatively affects the health, survival, symbiont density and NDVI of S. pistillata, with a dominance of red over blue light for NDVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Wijgerde
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Anne van Melis
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Catarina I. F. Silva
- Biological Oceanography, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 't Horntje, The Netherlands
| | - Miguel C. Leal
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, University of Georgia, Savannah, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Luc Vogels
- Philips Lighting, BG Light Sources & Electronics LED Platform Development, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Mutter
- Philips Lighting, BG Light Sources & Electronics LED Platform Development, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Osinga
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Leal MC, Calado R, Sheridan C, Alimonti A, Osinga R. Coral aquaculture to support drug discovery. Trends Biotechnol 2013; 31:555-61. [PMID: 23866840 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Marine natural products (NP) are unanimously acknowledged as the 'blue gold' in the urgent quest for new pharmaceuticals. Although corals are among the marine organisms with the greatest diversity of secondary metabolites, growing evidence suggest that their symbiotic bacteria produce most of these bioactive metabolites. The ex hospite culture of coral symbiotic microbiota is extremely challenging and only limited examples of successful culture exist today. By contrast, in toto aquaculture of corals is a commonly applied technology to produce corals for aquaria. Here, we suggest that coral aquaculture could as well be a viable and economically feasible option to produce the biomass required to execute the first steps of the NP-based drug discovery pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel C Leal
- Departamento de Biologia and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411, USA.
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35
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Garcia GD, Gregoracci GB, Santos EDO, Meirelles PM, Silva GGZ, Edwards R, Sawabe T, Gotoh K, Nakamura S, Iida T, de Moura RL, Thompson FL. Metagenomic analysis of healthy and white plague-affected Mussismilia braziliensis corals. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2013; 65:1076-86. [PMID: 23314124 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-012-0161-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Coral health is under threat throughout the world due to regional and global stressors. White plague disease (WP) is one of the most important threats affecting the major reef builder of the Abrolhos Bank in Brazil, the endemic coral Mussismilia braziliensis. We performed a metagenomic analysis of healthy and WP-affected M. braziliensis in order to determine the types of microbes associated with this coral species. We also optimized a protocol for DNA extraction from coral tissues. Our taxonomic analysis revealed Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, and Actinomycetes as the main groups in all healthy and WP-affected corals. Vibrionales, members of the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides complex, Rickettsiales, and Neisseriales were more abundant in the WP-affected corals. Diseased corals also had more eukaryotic metagenomic sequences identified as Alveolata and Apicomplexa. Our results suggest that WP disease in M. braziliensis is caused by a polymicrobial consortium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizele D Garcia
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Kim SM, Kang SW, Lee EA, Seo EK, Song JI, Pan CH. Analysis of Carotenoids in 25 Indigenous Korean Coral Extracts. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.3839/jabc.2013.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Mueller CE, Lundälv T, Middelburg JJ, van Oevelen D. The symbiosis between Lophelia pertusa and Eunice norvegica stimulates coral calcification and worm assimilation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e58660. [PMID: 23536808 PMCID: PMC3594175 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the interactions between the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa and its associated polychaete Eunice norvegica by quantifying carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) budgets of tissue assimilation, food partitioning, calcification and respiration using 13C and 15N enriched algae and zooplankton as food sources. During incubations both species were kept either together or in separate chambers to study the net outcome of their interaction on the above mentioned processes. The stable isotope approach also allowed us to follow metabolically derived tracer C further into the coral skeleton and therefore estimate the effect of the interaction on coral calcification. Results showed that food assimilation by the coral was not significantly elevated in presence of E. norvegica but food assimilation by the polychaete was up to 2 to 4 times higher in the presence of the coral. The corals kept assimilation constant by increasing the consumption of smaller algae particles less favored by the polychaete while the assimilation of Artemia was unaffected by the interaction. Total respiration of tracer C did not differ among incubations, although E. norvegica enhanced coral calcification up to 4 times. These results together with the reported high abundance of E. norvegica in cold-water coral reefs, indicate that the interactions between L. pertusa and E. norvegica can be of high importance for ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E Mueller
- Department of Ecosystem Studies, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ-Yerseke), Yerseke, The Netherlands.
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Wijgerde T, Jurriaans S, Hoofd M, Verreth JAJ, Osinga R. Oxygen and heterotrophy affect calcification of the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascicularis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52702. [PMID: 23285159 PMCID: PMC3528703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterotrophy is known to stimulate calcification of scleractinian corals, possibly through enhanced organic matrix synthesis and photosynthesis, and increased supply of metabolic DIC. In contrast to the positive long-term effects of heterotrophy, inhibition of calcification has been observed during feeding, which may be explained by a temporal oxygen limitation in coral tissue. To test this hypothesis, we measured the short-term effects of zooplankton feeding on light and dark calcification rates of the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascicularis (n = 4) at oxygen saturation levels ranging from 13 to 280%. Significant main and interactive effects of oxygen, heterotrophy and light on calcification rates were found (three-way factorial repeated measures ANOVA, p<0.05). Light and dark calcification rates of unfed corals were severely affected by hypoxia and hyperoxia, with optimal rates at 110% saturation. Light calcification rates of fed corals exhibited a similar trend, with highest rates at 150% saturation. In contrast, dark calcification rates of fed corals were close to zero under all oxygen saturations. We conclude that oxygen exerts a strong control over light and dark calcification rates of corals, and propose that in situ calcification rates are highly dynamic. Nevertheless, the inhibitory effect of heterotrophy on dark calcification appears to be oxygen-independent. We hypothesize that dark calcification is impaired during zooplankton feeding by a temporal decrease of the pH and aragonite saturation state of the calcifying medium, caused by increased respiration rates. This may invoke a transient reallocation of metabolic energy to soft tissue growth and organic matrix synthesis. These insights enhance our understanding of how oxygen and heterotrophy affect coral calcification, both in situ as well as in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Wijgerde
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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Wijgerde T, Schots P, Van Onselen E, Janse M, Karruppannan E, Verreth JAJ, Osinga R. Epizoic acoelomorph flatworms impair zooplankton feeding by the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascicularis. Biol Open 2012; 2:10-7. [PMID: 23336072 PMCID: PMC3545264 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20122741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many scleractinian coral species host epizoic acoelomorph flatworms, both in aquaculture and in situ. These symbiotic flatworms may impair coral growth and health through light-shading, mucus removal and disruption of heterotrophic feeding. To quantify the effect of epizoic flatworms on zooplankton feeding, we conducted video analyses of single polyps of Galaxea fascicularis (Linnaeus 1767) grazing on Artemia nauplii in the presence and absence of symbiotic flatworms. 18S DNA analysis revealed that flatworms inhabiting G. fascicularis belonged to the genus Waminoa (Convolutidae), which were hosted at a density of 3.6±0.4 individuals polyp−1. Polyps hosting flatworms exhibited prey capture rates of 2.2±2.5, 3.4±4.5 and 2.7±3.4 nauplii polyp−1 30 min−1 at prey concentrations of 250, 500 and 1,000 nauplii L−1, respectively. Polyps that had their flatworms removed displayed prey capture rates of 2.7±1.6, 4.8±4.1 and 16.9±10.3 nauplii polyp−1 30 min−1. Significant main and interactive effects of flatworm presence and ambient prey concentration were found, reflected by the fact that flatworms significantly impaired host feeding rates at the highest prey density of 1,000 nauplii L−1. In addition, flatworms displayed kleptoparasitism, removing between 0.1±0.3 and 0.6±1.1 nauplii 30 min−1 from the oral disc of their host, or 5.3±3.3 to 50.0±2.1% of prey acquired by the coral. We suggest classifying the coral-associated Waminoa sp. as an epizoic parasite, as its presence may negatively affect growth and health of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Wijgerde
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research Centre , 6709 PG Wageningen , The Netherlands
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Heterotrophic feeding as a newly identified survival strategy of the dinoflagellate Symbiodinium. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:12604-9. [PMID: 22814379 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1204302109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival of free-living and symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium spp.) in coral reefs is critical to the maintenance of a healthy coral community. Most coral reefs exist in oligotrophic waters, and their survival strategy in such nutrient-depleted waters remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that two strains of Symbiodinium spp. cultured from the environment and acquired from the tissues of the coral Alveopora japonica had the ability to feed heterotrophically. Symbiodinium spp. fed on heterotrophic bacteria, cyanobacteria (Synechococcus spp.), and small microalgae in both nutrient-replete and nutrient-depleted conditions. Cultured free-living Symbiodinium spp. displayed no autotrophic growth under nitrogen-depleted conditions, but grew when provided with prey. Our results indicate that Symbiodinium spp.'s mixotrophic activity greatly increases their chance of survival and their population growth under nitrogen-depleted conditions, which tend to prevail in coral habitats. In particular, free-living Symbiodinium cells acquired considerable nitrogen from algal prey, comparable to or greater than the direct uptake of ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, or urea. In addition, free-living Symbiodinium spp. can be a sink for planktonic cyanobacteria (Synechococcus spp.) and remove substantial portions of Synechococcus populations from coral reef waters. Our discovery of Symbiodinium's feeding alters our conventional views of the survival strategies of photosynthetic Symbiodinium and corals.
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