Microbiome variation in corals with distinct depth distribution ranges across a shallow-mesophotic gradient (15-85 m)
- Author(s)
- Bettina Glasl, Pim Bongaerts, Nathalie H. Elisabeth, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Gerhard J. Herndl, Pedro R. Frade
- Abstract
Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are generally poorly studied, and our knowledge of lower MCEs (below 60 m depth) is largely limited to visual surveys. Here, we provide a first detailed assessment of the prokaryotic community associated with scleractinian corals over a depth gradient to the lower mesophotic realm (15–85 m). Specimens of three Caribbean coral species exhibiting differences in their depth distribution ranges (Agaricia grahamae, Madracis pharensis and Stephanocoenia intersepta) were collected with a manned submersible on the island of Curaçao, and their prokaryotic communities assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Corals with narrower depth distribution ranges (depth-specialists) were associated with a stable prokaryotic community, whereas corals with a broader niche range (depth-generalists) revealed a higher variability in their prokaryotic community. The observed depth effects match previously described patterns in Symbiodinium depth zonation. This highlights the contribution of structured microbial communities over depth to the coral’s ability to colonize a broader depth range.
- Organisation(s)
- Functional and Evolutionary Ecology
- External organisation(s)
- Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Foundation (CARMABI), Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Utrecht University, University of Algarve, James Cook University, University of Queensland
- Journal
- Coral Reefs
- Volume
- 36
- Pages
- 447-452
- No. of pages
- 6
- ISSN
- 0722-4028
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-016-1517-x
- Publication date
- 06-2017
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 106021 Marine biology
- Keywords
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Aquatic Science
- Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 14 - Life Below Water
- Portal url
- https://ucris.univie.ac.at/portal/en/publications/microbiome-variation-in-corals-with-distinct-depth-distribution-ranges-across-a-shallowmesophotic-gradient-1585-m(8af6f38b-ce58-430c-9791-2bb3b7b1c73e).html