Skeletal linear extension rates of the foliose scleractinian coral Merulina ampliata (Ellis & Solander, 1786) in a turbid environment

Abstract

Skeletal linear extension rates of a foliaceous, IndoPacific, skiophilous, heterotrophic, scleractinian Merulina ampliata (Ellis & Solander 1786) were obtained along a sediment/nutrient load gradient at the southern islands of Singapore. Measurements were made during November 1999- November 2000 using the alizarin red-S staining technique. Suspended particulate matter concentration (r2(adj) = 0.76), turbidity (r2(adj) = 0.59), the organic content of suspended sediments (r2 = 0.50), and nitrite-nitrate concentration (r2(adj) = 0.50) were significant predictors of the skeletal linear extension rate of M. ampliata. Maximum linear extension growth rates of M. ampliata (mean +/- SD: 1.43 +/- 0.67-3.26 +/- 0.59 cm center dot year-1) were comparable to 15-year-old accounts at the same research sites, indicating adaptation to low-light, high-sediment waters.