Distribution patterns of macroboring organisms on Tulear reef flats (SW Madagascar)

Abstract

Macroboring organisms that were associated with 3 genera of corals (Acropora, Favia and Porites ) principally in 3 different degrees of degradation and occurring at 13 different sites on a cross-reef transect in the Tulear reefs were studied. Thirty-one species were identified; the most abundant zoological group was sipunculids. Correspondence analysis was used to highlight successively the relationships between species and (1) sites, (2) genera and (3) degree of degradation. The distributional patterns of the macroborers were essentially associated with the physical factors of level of tide and flow energy. Calcareous algal coverage is followed by a decrease in abundance of individuals and species.