Species assemblages and phenotypes of mushroom corals (Fungiidae) related to coral reef habitats in the Flores Sea
Hoeksema, B.W.; Moka, W. (1989). Species assemblages and phenotypes of mushroom corals (Fungiidae) related to coral reef habitats in the Flores Sea. Neth. J. Sea Res. 23(2): 149-160
In: Netherlands Journal of Sea Research. Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ): Groningen; Den Burg. ISSN 0077-7579; e-ISSN 1873-1406, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Hoeksema, B.W., more
- Moka, W.
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| Abstract |
Corals belonging to the family Fungiidae were studied at coral reefs in and around the Flores Sea. Our aims were (1) to obtain a better insight into the factors affecting species richness and (2) to investigate the relations between reef habitats and coral phenotypes. Some fungiid species occurred on almost all reefs, others on very few. Examples are given of coral reefs which are characterized by extreme environmental conditions. Bottom inclination, water turbulence and substratum type appear to be important environmental factors controlling fungiid species composition. Areas with a great variety of reef habitats are usually rich in species, some of which are rare. Three major reef types are recognized in relation to ecomorphological variation: (1) reefs in open sea, (2) sheltered coastal reefs facing open sea and (3) reefs in inland bays. Field observations suggest that growth forms are primarily related to light intensity but also to water turbulence and type of substratum. |
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