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

Abstract

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 lienar 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 in the Philippines. -from Authors