The survival and growth rate of different species of Acropora coral by transplantation process at different depth at Bidong Island water

Abstract

This study was done in order to analyze and determine the survival and growth rate of transplant coral of two species of Acropora corals which were Acropora cervicornis and Acropora elseyi at three different depths. The transplant coral were monitored over 7 months in a reef in the Bidong Island started from July 2010 until February 2011. Transplants were in variety of sizes of coral (range from 6 cm until 16 cm) and deployed at three depths (3m, Sm and 7m). The measurement of coral by using vernier carliper was· taken in three times in July 2010, October 2010 and February 2011. The water physical· parameter was taken by using YSI Hydrometer/ Hydrolab meter. Specimens at the shallow depth had more rapid growth than the deeper ones. Mortality was equal to both species and the depth. A grnwth rate of coral transplant was decreased with depth but the ·. initial growth rate was higher for the first three month. The Acropora cervicornis growth rate was 0.451 cm month- ,. 1 in 3 meter depth, 0.481 cm month- 1 in 5 meter depth and 0.457 cm month- 1 in 7 meter depth. The average growth rate was not in the consistent value may cause by the coming Northeast Monsoon season and others factors. The Acropora elseyi growth rate was 0.513 cm month- 1 in 3 meter depth, 0.472 cm month- 1 in 5 meter depth and 0.46 cm month- 1 in 7 meter depth.