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Depth analysis of fatty acids in two caribbean reef corals

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Abstract

Total fatty acid compositions of colonies of two hermatypic, reef-building corals collected during the day-time over a depth range of 21 m were determined to assess the effect of depth-related environmental factors upon the lipid content of these organisms. No systematic changes were found, suggesting a steady-state balance between algal and animal lipogenesis in these symbiotic partnerships. Stephanocoenia michelinii, a day and night feeder, contained lipids indicative of external dietary sources such as copepods, whereas Montastrea annularis, a night feeder, did not.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, The University. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

    P. A. Meyers & R. L. Chad

  2. Department of Zoology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA

    J. W. Porter

Authors
  1. P. A. Meyers
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  2. J. W. Porter
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  3. R. L. Chad
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Communicated by M.R. Tripp, Newark

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Meyers, P.A., Porter, J.W. & Chad, R.L. Depth analysis of fatty acids in two caribbean reef corals. Marine Biology 49, 197–202 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00391131

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