Algal Zonation in the Fringing Coral Reef of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, in Relation to Zonation of Corals and Gorgonians
Den Hoek CV, Cortel-Breeman AM, Wanders JW. 1975. Algal Zonation in the Fringing Coral Reef of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, in Relation to Zonation of Corals and Gorgonians. Aquatic Botany. 1:269-308
The south-west coast of Oura~ao !s lined by a rich fringing coral reef, which rests on top of a submarine plateau. The coral, gorgonian, and algal zonation in a 5 m broad transect at right angles to the coast at Klein Piscadera was analyzed using the phytosociological method of Braun-Blanquet. Seven zones were distinguished by means of cluster a,nalysis and by physiognomy. As in all coral reefs, the fleshy and filamentous algae are unobtrusive, though rich in species (54 species/25m2 on average). This unobtrusiveness is due to grazing by herbivorous fishes and echinoids. The highest combined coverage and diversity of fleshy and filamentous algae, and of crustose corallines (mainly Porolithon pachydermum) occur in the shallow Acropora palmata-Porolithon-Millepora reef (1-3.5 m deep), the lowest combined coverage and diversity in the rich coral community of Montastrea annularis and M. cavernosa (5.25-13 m deep).
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Den Hoek, C.; Cortel-Breeman, A.; Wanders, J.B.
- Units
- BISC
- Keywords
- Decomposition, Ecology, Growth, rhizome, Salinity, Seasonality, Starch, Thalassia testudina, Turtle Grass, Water Temperature