Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Biological destruction of coral reefs

A review

  • Published:
Coral Reefs Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The major agents of biological destruction of coral reefs can be divided into grazers, etchers and borers. Each of these groups is reviewed on a world wide basis, together with the mechanisms by which they destroy the coral substrate. Rates of bioerosion attributed to major agents of grazers, etchers and borers are given, together with limitations of some of the measurements. Recent work is highlighting the variability in rates of bioerosion both over time and space. Factors which may be responsible for this variability are discussed. Bioerosion is a major factor influencing reef morphology and the ways in which this is achieved is discussed in some detail. Although the review concentrates mainly on present day reefs, some attempt is made to consider the impact of bioerosion on older reefs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Al Hussaini AH (1945) The anatomy and histology of the alimentary tract of the coral feeding fish, Scarus sordidus Klunz. Bull Inst Egypte 27:349–377

    Google Scholar 

  • Aharon P, Chappell J (1983) Carbon and oxygen isotope probes of reef environment histories. In: Barnes DJ (ed) Perspectives on coral reefs. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, pp 1–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Aharon P, Chappell J, Compston W (1980) Stable isotope and sea-level data from New Guinea supports Antarctic icesurge theory of ice ages. Nature 283:649–651

    Google Scholar 

  • Ansell AD, Nair BN (1969) A comparative study of bivalves which bore mainly by mechanical means. Am Zool 9:857–868

    Google Scholar 

  • Bak RPM (1976) The growth of coral colonies and the importance of crustose coralline algae and burrowing sponges in relation with carbonate accumulation. Neth J Sea Res 10:285–337

    Google Scholar 

  • Bak RPM (1985) Recruitment patterns and mass mortalities in the sea urchin Diadema antillarum. Proc 5th Int Coral Reef Symp 5:267–272

    Google Scholar 

  • Bak PPM, Carpay MEJ, De Ruyter van Steveninck ED (1984) Densities of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum before and after mass mortalities on the coral reefs of Curaçao. Mar Ecol Progr Ser 17:105–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Bardach JE (1961) Transport of calcareous fragments by reef fish. Science 133:98–99

    Google Scholar 

  • Bathurst RGC (1966) Boring algae, micrite envelopes, and lithification of molluscan biosparites. Lpool Manchr Geol J 5:15–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Blake JA, Evans JW (1973) Polydora and related genera as borer in mollusk shells and other calcareous substrates. Veliger 15:235–250

    Google Scholar 

  • Brock RE (1979) An experimental study on the effect of grazing by parrotfishes and role of refuges in benthic community structure. Mar Biol 51:381–388

    Google Scholar 

  • Bromley RG (1975) Comparative analysis of fossil and recent echinoid bioerosion Palaeontology 18:725–739

    Google Scholar 

  • Bromley RG (1978) Bioerosion of Bermuda reefs. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 23:169–197

    Google Scholar 

  • Buddemeier RW, Maragos JE, Knutson DW (1974) Radiographic studies of reef coral exoskeletons: rates and patterns of coral growth. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 14:179–200

    Google Scholar 

  • Chappell J (1983) Sea-level changes and coral reef growth. In: Barnes DJ (ed) Perspectives on coral reefs. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, pp 46–55

    Google Scholar 

  • Chappell J, Chivas A, Wallensky E, Polach HA, Aharon P (1983) Holocene Palaeo-environmental changes, central to northern Great Barier Reef inner zone. BMR J Aust Geol Geophys 8:223–235

    Google Scholar 

  • Connell JH (1978) Diversity in tropical rain forests and coral reefs. Science 199:1302–1310

    Google Scholar 

  • Choat JH (1966) Parrot fish. Aust Nat Hist 15:265–268

    Google Scholar 

  • Choat JH (1983) Estimation of the abundances of herbivorous fishes and their grazing rates within reef systems. In: Baker JT, Carter RM, Sammarco PW, Stark KP (eds) Proceedings of the Inauguree Conference, Townsville Great Barrier Reef 1983. JCU, Townsville pp 171–177

    Google Scholar 

  • Choi DR (1982) Coelobites (reef cavity dwellers) as indicators of environmental effects caused by offshore drilling. Bull Mar Sci 32:880–889

    Google Scholar 

  • Choi DR, (1984) Ecological succession of reef cavity dwellers (Coelobites) in coral rubble. Bull Mar sci 35:72–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Cloud PE (1959) Geology of Saipan, Mariana Islands. Part 4: Submarine topography and shoalwater ecology. US Geol Surv Prof Paps 280-K K361-K445

    Google Scholar 

  • Crossland DJ (1982) Seasonal growth of Acropora of formosa and Pocillopora damicornis on a high latitude reef (Houtman Abrolhos Western Australia). Proc 4th Coral Reef Symp 1:663–668

    Google Scholar 

  • Darwin CR (1845) Journal of researches during the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle. Nelson, London (Reprint)

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies PJ (1983) Reef growth. In: Barnes DJ, (ed) Perspectives on coral reefs. Australian Institute of Marine Science Townsville, pp 69–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies PJ, Hopley D (1983) Growth facies and growth rates of Holocene reefs in the Great Barrier Reef. BMR J Aust Geol Geophys 8:237–251

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies PJ, Hutchings PA (1983) Initial colonization, erosion and accretion on coral substrate: experimental results. Lizard Island Great Barrier Reef. Coral Reefs 2:27–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies PJ, Marshall JF (1979) Aspects of Holocene reef growth-substrate age and accretion rate. Search 10:276–279

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies PJ, Marshall JF (in press) Age and uthologic structure of holocene reefs in the southern Great Barrier Reef. Coral Reefs

  • Done T (1982) Patterns in the distribution of coral communities across the central Great Barrier Reef. Coral Reefs 1:95–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Edmunds M (1986) Acid secretion in some species of Doridacea (Mollusca Nudibranchia). Proc Malacol Soc 38:121–133

    Google Scholar 

  • Emery KO (1962) Marine geology of Guam. US Geol Surv Prof Paps 403-B1–76

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans JW (1970) Palaeontological implications of a biological study of rock boring clams (Family Pholadidae). In: Crimes TP, Harper JC (eds) Trace fossils. Seel, Liverpool, pp 127–141

    Google Scholar 

  • Fauchald K (1977) The Polychaete worms. Definitions and keys to the orders, families and genera. Nat Hist Mus Los Angeles Cty Sci Ser 28:188

    Google Scholar 

  • Finks RM (1970) The evolution and ecologic history of sponges during Palaeozoic times. In: Frey WG (ed) Symposia of the Zoological Society of London, no 25. The biology of the Porifera, pp 3–22

  • Frith CA, Leis JM, Goldman B (in press) Currents in the Lizard Island Region of the Great Barrier Lagoon and their relevance to potential movements of larvae. Coral Reefs

  • Frydl P (1977) The geological effect of grazing by parrot-fish on a Barbados reef. M Sc thesis McGill University

  • Frydl P, Stearn GW (1978) Rate of bioerosion by parrotfish in Barbados Reef environments. J Sediment Petrol 48:1149–1157

    Google Scholar 

  • Fütterer DK (1974) Significance of the boring sponge Cliona for the origin of fine grained material of carbonate sediments. J Sediment Petrol 44:79–84

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardiner JS (1902) The action of boring and sand feeding organisms. In: Gardiner JS (ed) The fauna and geography of the Maldive and Laccadive Archipelagoes, vol. 1. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge pp 33–341

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardiner JS (1903) The origin of coral reefs as shown by the Maldives. Am J Sci 16:203–213

    Google Scholar 

  • Glynn PW, Wellington GM, Birkeland C (1979) Coral growth in the Galapagos: limitation by sea urchins. Science 203:47–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Ginsburg RN (1983) Geological and biological roles of cavities in coral reefs. In: Barnes DJ (ed) Perspectives on coral reefs. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, pp 148–153

    Google Scholar 

  • Gohar HAF, Latif AFA (1963) Digestive proteolytic enzymes of some scarid and labrid fishes (from the Red Sea). Publ Mar Biol Stn Al Ghardaga 12:4–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Golubic S, Perkins RD, Lukas KJ (1975) Boring micro-organisms and microborings in carbonate substrates. In: Frey RW (ed) The study of trace fossils. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 229–259

    Google Scholar 

  • Goreau TF, Hartmann WD (1963) Boring sponges as controlling factors in the formation and maintenance of coral reefs: In: Sognnaes RF (ed) Mechanisms of hard destruction. Publ Am Assoc Adv Sci 75:25–54

  • Gygi RA (1975) Sparisoma viride (Bonnaterre) the stoplight parrotfish, a major sediment producer on coral reefs of Bermuda? Ecol Geol Helv 68:327–359

    Google Scholar 

  • Halley RB, Shinn EA, Hudson JH Lidz B (1977) Recent and relict topography of Boo Bee Patch Reef, Belize. Proc 3rd Int Coral Reef Symp 2:29–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamner WH, Jones MS (1976) Distribution burrowing and growth rates of the clam Tridacna crocea on interior reef flats. Oecologia 24:207–227

    Google Scholar 

  • Hay ME (1984) Patterns of fish and urchin grazing on Caribbean coral reefs: are previous results typical? Ecology 65:446–454

    Google Scholar 

  • Hedley C (1906) The mollusca of Masthead Island, Capricorn Group, Queensland. Part 1. Proc Linn Soc NSW 31:453

    Google Scholar 

  • Hein FJ, Risk MJ (1975) Bioerosion of coral heads: inner patch reefs, Florida reef tract. Bull Mar Sci 25:133–138

    Google Scholar 

  • Highsmith RC (1980) Geographic patterns of coral bioerosion: a productivity hypothesis. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 46:177–196

    Google Scholar 

  • Highsmith RC (1981) Lime-boring algae in hermatypic coral skeleton. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 55:267–281

    Google Scholar 

  • Highsmith RC, Lueptow RL, Schonberg SC (1983) Growth and bioerosion of three massive corals on the Belize barrier reef. Mar Ecol Prog Sci 13:261–271

    Google Scholar 

  • Hudson JH (1977) Long-term bioerosion rates on a Florida reef: new method. Proc 3rd Int Coral reef Symp 2:491–498

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunter IG (1977) Sediment production of Diadema antillarum on a Barbados fringing reef. Proc 3rd Int Coral Reef Symp 2:105–109

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchings PA, (1974) A preliminary report on the density and distribution of invertebrates living on coral reefs. Proc 2nd Int Coral Reef Symp 1:285–296

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchings PA (1978) Non-colonial cryptofauna. In: Stoddart DR, Johannes RE (eds) Coral reefs: research methods. Monograph on oceanographic methodology, vol 5. UNESCO, Paris, pp 251–262

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchings PA (1981) Polychaete recruitment onto dead coral substrates at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Bull Mar Sci 31:410–424

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchings PA (1983a) Cryptofaunal communities of coral reefs. In: Barnes DJ (ed) Perspectives on coral reefs. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, pp 200–208

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchings PA (1983b) Bioerosion of coral substrates. In: Baker JT, Carter RM, Sammarco PW, Stark KP (eds) Proceedings of the Inaugural Great Barrier Reef Conference, Townsville 1983. JCU, Townsville, pp 113–119

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchings PA (1984) A preliminary report on the spatial and temporal patterns of polychaete recruitment on the Great Barrier Reef. In: Hutchings PA (ed) Proc 1st Int Poly Conf Sydney. Linn Soc NSW, pp 227–237

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchings PA (1985) Variability in polychaete recruitment at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef: a long term study and an analysis of its potential impact on coral reef ecosystems. Proc 5th Int Coral Reef Symp 5:245–250

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchings PA, Bamber L (1985) Variability of bioerosion rates at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef: preliminary attempts to explain these rates and their significance. Proc 5th Int Coral Reef Symp 5:333–338

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchings PA, Murray A (1982) Patterns of recruitment of polychaetes to coral substrates at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef — an experimental approach. Aust J Mar Freshwat Res 33:1029–37

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchings PA, Weate PB (1977) Distribution and abundance of cryptofauna from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef. Mar Res Indonesia 17:99–112

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchings PA, Weate PB (1979) Experimental recruitment of endo-cryptolithic communities at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef. Preliminary results. N Z Dep Sci Ind Res Inf Ser 137:239–256

    Google Scholar 

  • James NP, Kobluk DR, Pemberton SG (1977) The oldest macroborers: lower Cambrian of Labrador. Science 197:980–983

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones RS (1968) Ecological relationships in Hawaiian and Johnston Island Acanthuridae (surgeon fishes). Micronesica 4:309–361

    Google Scholar 

  • Kanwischer JW, Wainwright SA, (1967) Oxygen balance in some reef corals. Biol Bull Mar Biol Lab Woods Hole 135:141–148

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelleher G (1983) Information needs for managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. In: Baker JJ, Carter RM, Sammarco PW, Stark KP (eds) Proceedings of the Inaugural Great Barrier Reef Conference, Townsville 1983. JCU, Townsville, pp 43–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiene WE (1985) Biological destruction of experimental coral substrates at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Proc 5th Int Coral Reef Symp 5:339–344

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinsey DW (1983) Standards of performance in coral reef primary production and carbon turnover. In: Barnes DJ (ed) Perspectives in coral reefs. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, pp 209–220

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinsey DW, Davies PJ (1979) Carbon turnover, calcification and growth in coral reefs. In: Trudingar PA, Swaine DJ (eds) Biogeochemical cycling of mineral forming elements. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 131–162

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinsey DW (1983) Short-term indicators of gross material flux in coral reefs — how far have we come and how much further can we go? In: Baker JT, Carter RM, Sammarco PW, Stark KP (eds) Proceedings Inaugural Conference, Townsville 1983. JCU, Townsville, pp 333–340

    Google Scholar 

  • Kleeman KH (1980) Boring bivalves and their host corals from the Great Barrier Reef. J Mol Stud 46:13–54

    Google Scholar 

  • Kobluk DR, Risk MJ (1974) Devonian boring algae or fungi associated with micrite tubules. Can J Earth Sci 11:1606–1610

    Google Scholar 

  • Kobluk DR, Risk MJ (1977a) Calcification of exposed filaments of endolithic algae, micrite onvelope formation and sediment production. J Sediment Petrol 47:517–528

    Google Scholar 

  • Kobluk DR, Risk MJ (1977b) Rate and nature of infestation of carbonate substrates by a boring algae Ostreobium sp. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 27:107–115

    Google Scholar 

  • Kohlmeyer J (1969) The role of marine fungi in the penetration of calcareous substances. Am Zool 9:741–746

    Google Scholar 

  • Kohn AJ, Lloyd MC (1973) Polychaetes of truncated reef limestone substrates on eastern Indian Ocean coral reefs: diversity, abundance, and taxonomy. Int Rev Gesamten Hydrobiol 58:369–399

    Google Scholar 

  • Kohn AJ, Nybakken JW (1975) Ecology of Conus on eastern Indian Ocean fringing reefs: diversity of species and resources utilization. Mar Biol 29:211–234

    Google Scholar 

  • Lessios HA, Robertson DR, Cubit JD (1984) Spread of Diadema mass mortality through the Caribbean. Science 226:335–337

    Google Scholar 

  • Loya Y (1982) Life history strategies of boring bivalves in corals. The reef and man. Proc 4th Int Coral Reef Symp 2:756 (abstr)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lowenstam HW (1962) Magnetite in denticle capping in recent Chitons (Polyplacophora). Bull Geol Soc Am 73:435–438

    Google Scholar 

  • MacGeachy JK (1977) Factors controlling sponge boring in Barbados reef corals. Proc 3rd Int Coral Reef Symp 2:478–483

    Google Scholar 

  • Marshall JF (1983) Marine lithification in coral reefs. In: Barnes DJ (ed) Perspectives on coral reefs. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, pp 231–239

    Google Scholar 

  • Marshall JF, Davies PJ (1982) Internal structure and Holocene evolution of One Tree Reef, southern Great Barrier Reef. Coral Reefs 1:21–29

    Google Scholar 

  • McCloskey LR (1970) The dynamics of the community associated with a marine scleractinian coral. Int Rev Gesamten Hydrobiol 55:13–81

    Google Scholar 

  • McLean RF (1967) Measurement of beachrock erosion by some tropical marine gastropods. Bull Mar Sci 17:551–561

    Google Scholar 

  • McLean RF (1974) Geologic significance of bioerosion of beach rock. Proc 2nd Int Coral Reef Symp 2:401–409

    Google Scholar 

  • McMichael DF (1974), Growth rate, population size and mantle colouration in the small giant clam Tridacna maxima (Robing) at One Tree Island, Capricorn Group, Queensland. Proc 2nd Int Coral Reef Symp 1:241–245

    Google Scholar 

  • Neumann AC (1966) Observations on coastal erosion in Bermuda and measurements of the boring rate of the sponge Cliona lampa. Limnol Oceanogr 11:92–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Ogden JC (1977) Carbonate sediment production by parrot fish and sea urchins on Caribbean reefs. In: Frost SH, Weiss MP, Saunders JB (eds) Reefs and related carbonates-ecology and sedimentology. Am Assoc Petrol Geol Stud Geol 4:281–288

  • Ogden JC, Lobel PS (1978) The role of herbivorous fishes and urchins in coral reef communities. Environ Biol Fish 3:49–63

    Google Scholar 

  • Otter GW (1937) Rock-destroying organisms in relation to coral reefs. Sci Rep Gt Barrier Reef Exped 1:323–352

    Google Scholar 

  • Peyrot-Clausade M (1974) Ecological study of coral reef cryptobiotic communities: an analysis of the polychaete cryptofauna. Proc 2nd Int Coral Reef Symp 1:269–283

    Google Scholar 

  • Pomponi SA (1977) Etching cells of boring sponges: an ultrastructural analysis. Proc 3rd Int Coral Reef Symp 2:485–490

    Google Scholar 

  • Pomponi SA (1979) Ultrastructure and cytochemistry of the etching area of boring sponges. In: Levi C, Boury-Esnault N (eds) Biologie et Spongiaires. Colloques Internationaux du Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique 291:317–323

  • Purchon RD (1968) The biology of the mollusca. Int Ser Monogr Pure Appl Biol Zool 40:1–560

    Google Scholar 

  • Randall JE (1967) Food habits of reef fishes of the West Indies. Stud Trop Oceanogr 5:665–847

    Google Scholar 

  • Randall JE (1974) The effect of fishes on coral reefs. Proc 2nd Int Coral Reefs Symp 1:159–166

    Google Scholar 

  • Rice ME (1969) Possible boring structures of sipunculids. Am Zool 9:803–812

    Google Scholar 

  • Rice ME, MacIntyre IG (1982) Distribution of Sipuncula in the coral reef community, Carrie Bow Cay, Belize. In: Rützler K, MacIntyre IG (eds) The Atlantic Barrier Reef ecosystem at Carrie Bow Cay, Belize, I. Structure and communities. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, pp 311–320

    Google Scholar 

  • Risk MJ, MacGeachy JK (1978) Aspects of bioerosion of modern Caribbean reefs. Revta Biol Trop 26 (Suppl 1):85–105

    Google Scholar 

  • Risk MJ, Sammarco PW (1982) Bioerosion of corals and the influence of damselfish territory. Oecologia 52:376–380

    Google Scholar 

  • Rooney WS, Perkins RD (1972) Distribution and geologic significance of micro-boring organisms within sediments of the Arlington Reef complex, Australia, Bull Geol Soc Am 83:1391–1396

    Google Scholar 

  • Russ G (1984a) Distribution and abundance of herbivorous grazing fishes in the central great Barrier Reef. 1. Levels of variability across the entire continental shelf. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 20:23–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Russ G (1984b) Distribution and abundance of herbivorous grazing fishes in the central Great Barrier Reef. II. Patterns of zonation of mid-shelf and outershelf reefs. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 20:35–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Rützler K (1974) The burrowing sponges of Bermuda. Smithson Cont Zool 165:1–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Rützler K (1975) The role of burrowing sponges in bioerosion. Oecologia 19:203–216

    Google Scholar 

  • Rützler K, Rieger G (1973) Sponge burrowing: fine structure of Cliona lampa penetrating calcareous substrate. Mar Biol 21:144–162

    Google Scholar 

  • Sale PF (1980) The ecology of fishes on coral reefs. Oceanogr Mar Biol Annu Rev 18:367–423

    Google Scholar 

  • Sale PF (1983) Temporal variability in the structure of reef fish communities. In: Baker JT, Carter RM, Sammarco PW, Stark KP (eds) Proceeding of the Inaugural Great Barrier Reef Conference Townsville 1983. JCU Townsville, pp 239–244

    Google Scholar 

  • Sammarco PW (1980) Diadema and its relationships to coral spat mortality. Grazing competition and biological disturbance. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 45:245–272

    Google Scholar 

  • Sammarco PW (1982) Echinoid grazing as a structuring force in coral communities: whole reef manipulations. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 61:31–55

    Google Scholar 

  • Sammarco PW (1983) Coral recruitment across the central Great Barrier Reef: a preliminary report. In: Baker JT, Carter RM, Sammarco PW, Stark KP (eds) Proceedings of the Inaugural Great Barrier Reef Conference. Townsville 1983. JCU, Townsville, pp 245–250

    Google Scholar 

  • Schultz LP (1958) Review of the parrotfishes, family Scaridae. Bull US Nat Mus 214:1–143

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoffin TP (1977) Sea-level features on reefs in the northern province of the Great Barrier Reef. Proc 3rd Int Coral Reef Symp 2:319–324

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoffin JP, Stearn CW, Boucher D, Frydl P, Hawkins CM, Hunter IG, MacGeachy JK (1980) Calcium carbonate budget of a fringing reef on the west coast of Barbados. Bull Mar Sci 30:475–508

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith RL, Paulson AC (1974) Food transit times and gut pH in two Pacific parrotfish. Copeia 3:769–799

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith RL, Paulson AC (1975) Carbonic anhydrase in some coral reef fishes: adaptation to carbonate ingestion? Comp Biochem Physiol 50A:131–134

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith SV (1973) Carbon dioxide dynamics: a record of organic carbon production, respiration, and calcification in the Eniwetok reef flat community. Limnol Oceanogr 18:106–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Soliman GN (1969) ecological aspects of some coral-boring gastropods and bivalves of the northwestern Red Sea Am Zool 9:887–894

    Google Scholar 

  • Stearn CW, Scoffin TP (1977) Carbonate budget of a fringing reef, Barbados. Proc 3rd Int Coral Reef Symp 2:471–476

    Google Scholar 

  • Stephenson W, Searle RB (1960) Experimental studies on the ecology of intertidal environments at Heron Island. Aust J Mar Freshwater Res 11:241–267

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor JD (1971) Intertidal zonation at Aldabra Atoll. Philos Trans R Soc London B Ser 260:173–213

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson TE (1960) Defensive acid-secretion in marine gastropods. J Mar Biol Assoc UK 39:115–134

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson TE (1961) Acid secretion in British Cowries. Proc Malacol Soc Lond 34:210–211

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorne MJ (1967) Homing in the chiton Acanthozostera gemmata (Blainville). Proc R Soc Queensl 79:79–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Torgersen T, Chivas AR, Chapman A (1983) Chemical and isotopic characterisation and sedimentation rates in Princess Charlotte Bay Queensland. BMR J Aust Geol Geophys 8:191–200

    Google Scholar 

  • Trudgill ST (1976) The marine erosion of limestone on Aldabra Atoll, Indian Ocean. Z Geomorphol (Suppl) 26:164–200

    Google Scholar 

  • Trudgill ST (1983a) Preliminary estimates of intertidal limestone erosion, One Tree Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Earth Surface Proc Landforms 8:189–193

    Google Scholar 

  • Trudgill ST (1983b) Measurement of rates of erosion of reefs and reef limestones. In: Barnes DJ (ed) Perspectives on coral reefs. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, pp 256–262

    Google Scholar 

  • Vivien ML, Peyrot-Clausade M (1974) Comparative study of the feeding behaviour of three coral reef fishes (Holocentridae), with special reference to the Polychaeta of the reef cryptofauna as prey. Proc 2nd Int Coral Reef Symp 2:179–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallace CC (1983) Visible and invisible coral recruitment. In Baker JT, Carter RM, Sammarco PW, Stark KP (ed) Proceedings of the Inaugural Great Barrier Reef Conference, Townsville 1983. JCU, Townsville, pp 259–261

    Google Scholar 

  • Warme JE (1975) Borings as trace fossils, and the processes of marine bioerosion. In: Frey RW (ed) The study of trace fossils. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 181–229

    Google Scholar 

  • Warme JE, Marshall NF (1969) Marine borers in calcareous terrigenous rocks of the Pacific Coast. Am Zool 9:765–774

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilkinson CR (1983) Role of sponges in coral reef structural processes. In: Barnes DJ (ed) Perspectives on coral reefs. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, pp 263–274

    Google Scholar 

  • Wulff JL, Buss LW (1979) Do sponges help hold coral reefs together? Nature 281:474–475

    Google Scholar 

  • Yonge CM (1963) The biology of coral reefs. In: Russell FS (ed) Advances in marine biology, vol 1. Academic, New York, pp 209–260

    Google Scholar 

  • Ziegler B, Rietschel S (1970) Phylogenetic relationships of fossil calcisponges. In: Frey WG (ed) Symp Zool Soc London 25:23–40

  • Zottoli RA, Carriker MR (1974) Burrow morphology, tube formation, and microarchitecture of shell dissolution by the spionid polychaete Polydora websteri. Mar Biol 27:307–316

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Invertebrate Division, The Australian Museum, 6-8 College Street, 2000, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia

    P. A. Hutchings

Authors
  1. P. A. Hutchings
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hutchings, P.A. Biological destruction of coral reefs. Coral Reefs 4, 239–252 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00298083

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00298083

Keywords

Search

Navigation