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Spatial distribution of calcification and photosynthesis in the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascicularis

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Abstract

The spatial heterogeneity of photosynthesis and calcification of single polyps of the coral Galaxea fascicularis was investigated. Photosynthesis was investigated with oxygen microsensors. The highest rates of gross photosynthesis (Pg) were found on the tissue covering the septa, the tentacles, and the tissues surrounding the mouth opening of the polyp. Lower rates were found on the tissues of the wall and the coenosarc. Calcification was investigated by radioactive tracers. The incorporation pattern of 45Ca and 14C in the corallites was imaged with use of a Micro-Imager. The β-images obtained showed that the incorporation of the radioactive tracers coincided with the Pg distribution pattern with the highest incorporation rates found in the corallite septa. Thus, the high growth rate of the septa is supported by the high rates of Pg by the symbiont in the adjacent tissues. The total incorporation rates were higher in light than in dark, however, the distribution pattern of the radioisotope incorporation was not affected by illumination. This further emphasizes the close relation between calcification and photosynthesis.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology-Bremen, Germany. We thank G. Eickert, A. Eggers and I. Schröder for constructing the oxygen electrodes, S. Rousan (from University of Bremen) and N. Finke, H. Jonkers (from the MPI-Bremen) for technical support. We also thank the staff of the Marine Science Station in Aqaba-Jordan for supplying the diving equipment, Laboratory space and coral specimens.

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Author notes

  1. Fuad A. Al-Horani

    Present address: Marine Science Station, P. O. Box (195), Aqaba, 77110, Jordan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstrasse 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany

    Fuad A. Al-Horani, Tim Ferdelman & Dirk de Beer

  2. Environmental Planning Directorate, P. O. Box (2565), Aqaba, 77110, Jordan

    Salim M. Al-Moghrabi

Authors
  1. Fuad A. Al-Horani
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  2. Tim Ferdelman
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  3. Salim M. Al-Moghrabi
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  4. Dirk de Beer
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Correspondence to Fuad A. Al-Horani.

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Communicated by Biological Editor R.C. Carpenter

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Al-Horani, F.A., Ferdelman, T., Al-Moghrabi, S.M. et al. Spatial distribution of calcification and photosynthesis in the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascicularis. Coral Reefs 24, 173–180 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-004-0461-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-004-0461-3

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