A study of coral fluorescence and their attraction to zooplankton

Abstract

This study attempts to describe the diversity of fluorescing corals and to determine its attraction to zooplankton as a possible ecological function. Distribution of fluorescing corals at two sampling sites in Redang Island was determined by line transect for its area cover. Description study of fluorescing corals conducted through photographs and categorized based on fluorescing morphs. Coral fluorescence and its attraction to zooplankton was determined by exposing Artemia sp. to a fluorescing and a non­ fluorescing coral within a 3 chambered Perspex box and its distribution enumerated. The efficiency of capturing zooplankton between fluorescing and a non- fluorescing coral was conducted by placing the corals into separate beakers with a known amount of Artemia sp. and the remaining individuals were determined after exposure. There were 28 fluorescence coral species. Varied fluorescence morphs were observed within species, between the colonies and between different families and species, hence there was heterogeneity in fluorescence morph unrelated or specifically associated with coral taxonomy. No significant difference was detected in the distribution between the two sampling sites (Chi 2 0_05, 4 = 4.7627, p = 0.31 > a. =0.05, n = l02), suggesting that it is not affected by its water quality.