Competitive effects of the macroalga Caulerpa taxifolia on key physiological processes in the scleractinian coral Turbinaria peltata under thermal stress.

ABSTRACT: An increased abundance of macroalgae has been observed in coral reefs damaged by climate change and local environmental stressors. Macroalgae have a sublethal effect on corals that includes the inhibition of their growth, development, and reproduction. Thus, this study explored the effects of the macroalga, Caulerpa taxifolia, on the massive coral, Turbinaria peltata, under thermal stress. We compared the responses of the corals' water-meditated interaction with algae (the co-occurrence group) and those in direct contact with algae at two temperatures. The results show that after co-culturing with C. taxifolia for 28 days, the density content of the dinoflagellate endosymbionts was significantly influenced by the presence of C. taxifolia at ambient temperature (

SUBMITTER: Fu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10725675 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature