Trends in growth and mortality of three coral species (Anthozoa: Scleractinia), including effects of transplantation

Abstract

Three ecologically dominant coral species in a northern Philippine reef were compared in terms of growth and mortality and responses to transplantation. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using the species concerned in establishing new coral populations through deliberate fragmentation. The species, Acropora hyacinthus, Pocillopora damicornis and Pavona frondifera, displayed distinct differences which could be related to their respective life-history strategies. A. hyacinthus showed tendencies towards an r-mode, with rapid linear growth but also high mortality rates. Response to transplantation was poor. Pocillopora damicornis had intermediate linear growth rates and relatively high mortality. Transplants fared poorly in the initial part of the experiment though they showed successful adaptation after a year. Mortality rates of both A. hyacinthus and P. damicornis were increased by high temperatures during certain times of the year. Pavona frondifera had the highest linear growth rates and no mortality, tending towards a K-mode of life history strategy. It showed the best response to transplantation This species is thus a suitable candidate for large-scale reef restoration.