Distribution and adaptive strategies of alcyonacean corals in Nanwan Bay, Taiwan
Journal
Hydrobiologia
Journal Volume
216-217
Journal Issue
1
Pages
241-246
Date Issued
1991
Author(s)
Abstract
The factors responsible for the abundance and distribution patterns of alcyonacean corals on the fringing reefs in southern Taiwan have been investigated. Transplantation studies have shown that the lack of alcyonacean corals in current- and storm-protected areas is possibly due to smothering by heavy sedimentation and with interactions with the alga Codium sp. Studies on the changes of alcyonacean-dominated communities revealed that alcyonacean corals are susceptible to storms but colonies often suffer only partial damage, even in severe storms. The remnants of these colonies can undergo rapid regeneration after storms which enables them to occupy space effectively, and may account for their dominance in storm-swept reefs. © 1991 Kluwer Academic Publishers.
SDGs
Type
journal article