A BRIEF SURVEY OF CORAL SPECIES COMPOSITION IN PULAU TINGGI, JOHOR, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Updating the status of coral species composition is important for long-term reef ecosystem management. The present study aims to determine the species composition of scleractinian hard and soft corals in the shallow water areas of Pulau Tinggi, Johor. About 1,494 coral colonies were surveyed at two selected reef sites: Kampung Pasir Panjang (Site A) and Kampung Sebirah Kecil (Site B). With images of close-up coral corallites, 41 species belonging to 24 genera and 10 families of corals were identified with genera Goniastrea, Porites and Montipora predominantly found in the study area. Overall, the data presented in this study helps to update the current species composition of corals in the marine protected area of Pulau Tinggi.