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Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II

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A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine Diversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 31465

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Dr. Simone Montano

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1. Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza, 20126 Milan, Italy
2. MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives
Interests: coral diseases; coral reef ecology; coral restoration; biodiversity; symbiosis; hydrozoans taxonomy
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Dear Colleagues,

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse types of ecosystems on Earth and one of the richest in terms of species interactions. Mutualistic, commensalistic, and parasitic associations are extremely abundant in such ecosystems, and this is primarily due to the topographic complexity created by many benthic organisms, such as reef building corals, that provide a plethora of habitats to support an extraordinary diversity of organisms from all kingdoms of life. Scleractinian corals are usually the most likely to provide numerous different habitats and to support many symbiotic relationships. However, many other invertebrate groups, such as sponges, bryozoans, and other cnidarians, establish strict symbiotic relationships with other marine organisms. Despite a few studies that have shown that some associations may increase coral resistance to external disturbances, the nature of these relationships, as well as the factors that drive their establishment, are poorly investigated. Considering that the widespread degradation of coral reef ecosystems endangers the existence of intimate relationships that often go unrecognized, to improve our knowledge on the complex networks connecting the fates of reef species is of paramount importance to identify key vulnerabilities, to predict possible responses to species loss, and hence to address effective conservation actions.

This Special Issue aims to elucidate the hidden diversity of coral reefs, stimulating the description of new associations involving soft and hard corals, without excluding other benthic organisms, such as sponges, bryozoans, tunicates, and other cnidarians. For this reason, we welcome research on the diversity and ecology of coral-associated fauna, as well as studies documenting and evaluating practical monitoring techniques and conservation measures. Particular attention will be given to papers that use multidisciplinary approaches to study several aspects of coral-associated fauna.

Dr. Simone Montano
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Biodiversity
Climate change
Threats and impacts
Conservation
Monitoring techniques
Morpho-Molecular approach
Cryptofauna
Symbioses
Ecological role

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 195 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna: An Urgent Call for Research

by Simone Montano

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090765 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1427

Abstract

Tropical coral reefs are considered the “rainforest of the sea” and are among the marine ecosystems with the highest biodiversity [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

Research

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10 pages, 3490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Ecology of the Association between Demosponges and Nemalecium lighti at Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

by Jacopo Gobbato, Andrea Magrini, Jaaziel E. García-Hernández, Francesca Virdis, Paolo Galli, Davide Seveso and Simone Montano

Diversity 2022, 14(8), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14080607 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1816

Abstract

Coral reefs are known to be among the most biodiverse marine ecosystems and one of the richest in terms of associations and species interactions, especially those involving invertebrates such as corals and sponges. Despite that, our knowledge about cryptic fauna and their ecological role remains remarkably scarce. This study aimed to address this gap by defining for the first time the spatial ecology of the association between the epibiont hydrozoan Nemalecium lighti and the Porifera community of shallow coral reef systems at Bonaire. In particular, the host range, prevalence, and distribution of the association were examined in relation to different sites, depths, and dimensions of the sponge hosts. We report Nemalecium lighti to be in association with 9 out of 16 genera of sponges encountered and 15 out of 16 of the dive sites examined. The prevalence of the hydroid–sponge association in Bonaire reef was 6.55%, with a maximum value of over 30%. This hydrozoan has been found to be a generalist symbiont, displaying a strong preference for sponges of the genus Aplysina, with no significant preference in relation to depth. On the contrary, the size of the host appeared to influence the prevalence of association, with large tubular sponges found to be the preferred host. Although further studies are needed to better understand the biological and ecological reason for these results, this study improved our knowledge of Bonaire’s coral reef cryptofauna diversity and its interspecific associations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

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16 pages, 4607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Filling a Gap: A Population of Eunicella verrucosa (Pallas, 1766) (Anthozoa, Alcyonacea) in the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area (NE Sardinia, Italy)

by Martina Canessa, Giorgio Bavestrello, Marzia Bo, Francesco Enrichetti and Egidio Trainito

Diversity 2022, 14(5), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14050405 - 20 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2072

Abstract

Among Mediterranean habitat-forming alcyonaceans, the sea fan Eunicella verrucosa is known to form dense forests at circalittoral depths, providing seascape complexity and sustaining a rich associated fauna. Its occurrence in the Tavolara–Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area (NE Sardinia) has never been deeply investigated despite this area being well known from a biocoenotic point of view. This study provides new information on the size of the colonies settled between 35 and 59 m depth on granitic outcrops and represents a contribution to highlighting the hotspot of megabenthic diversity enclosed in the protected area. The presence of 100 colonies was assessed by photographic samplings performed between 2015 and 2020, in a small area characterized by peculiar ecological conditions. The morphometric descriptions and age estimation showed a persistently isolated population probably derived from a stochastic event of settling of larvae presumably coming from the Tuscany Archipelago. A richly associated epibiotic community, composed of 18 species/OTUs, showed how branched bryozoans, particularly Turbicellepora avicularis, and the parasitic octocoral Alcyonium coralloides, affected the colonies’ branches, suggesting a putative anthropogenic impact related to fishing activity. This study indicates that proper protection and management strategies are mandatory for the Marine Protected Area, in order to conserve this unique population and the whole associated benthic assemblage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

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19 pages, 5910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological Modifications and Injuries of Corals Caused by Symbiotic Feather Duster Worms (Sabellidae) in the Caribbean

by Bert W. Hoeksema, Rosalie F. Timmerman, Roselle Spaargaren, Annabel Smith-Moorhouse, Roel J. van der Schoot, Sean J. Langdon-Down and Charlotte E. Harper

Diversity 2022, 14(5), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14050332 - 25 Apr 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2930

Abstract

Some coral-associated invertebrates are known for the negative impact they have on the health of their hosts. During biodiversity surveys on the coral reefs of Curaçao and a study of photo archives of Curaçao, Bonaire, and St. Eustatius, the Caribbean split-crown feather duster worm Anamobaea sp. (Sabellidae) was discovered as an associate of 27 stony coral species (Scleractinia spp. and Millepora spp.). The worm was also found in association with an encrusting octocoral (Erythropodium caribaeorum), a colonial tunicate (Trididemnum solidum), various sponge species, and thallose algae (mainly Lobophora sp.), each hypothesized to be secondary hosts. The worms were also common on dead coral. Sabellids of the genera Bispira and Sabellastarte were all found on dead coral. Some of them appeared to have settled next to live corals or on patches of dead coral skeleton surrounded by living coral tissue, forming pseudo-associations. Associated Anamobaea worms can cause distinct injuries in most host coral species and morphological deformities in a few of them. Since Anamobaea worms can form high densities, they have the potential to become a pest species on Caribbean coral reefs when environmental conditions become more favorable for them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

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18 pages, 2852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association of Waminoa with Reef Corals in Singapore and Its Impact on Putative Immune- and Stress-Response Genes

by Giorgia Maggioni, Danwei Huang, Davide Maggioni, Sudhanshi S. Jain, Randolph Z. B. Quek, Rosa Celia Poquita-Du, Simone Montano, Enrico Montalbetti and Davide Seveso

Diversity 2022, 14(4), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14040300 - 15 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2688

Abstract

Waminoa spp. are acoel flatworms mainly found as ectosymbionts on scleractinian corals. Although Waminoa could potentially represent a threat to their hosts, not enough information is available yet regarding their ecology and effect on the coral. Here, the Waminoa sp.–coral association was analyzed in Singapore reefs to determine the prevalence, host range, and preference, as well as the flatworm abundance on the coral surface. Moreover, the impact of Waminoa sp. on the expression of putative immune- and stress-response genes (C-type lectin, C3, Hsp70 and Actin) was examined in the coral Lobophyllia radians. The association prevalence was high (10.4%), especially in sites with lower sedimentation and turbidity. Waminoa sp. showed a wide host range, being found on 17 coral genera, many of which are new association records. However, only few coral genera, mostly characterized by massive or laminar morphologies appeared to be preferred hosts. Waminoa sp. individuals displayed variable patterns of coral surface coverage and an unequal distribution among different host taxa, possibly related to the different coral growth forms. A down-regulation of the expression of all the analyzed genes was recorded in L. radians portions colonized by Waminoa individuals compared to those without. This indicated that Waminoa sp. could affect components of the immune system and the cellular homeostasis of the coral, also inhibiting its growth. Therefore, Waminoa sp. could represent a potential further threat for coral communities already subjected to multiple stressors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

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8 pages, 1912 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Host Range of the Coral-Associated Worm Snail Petaloconchus sp. (Gastropoda: Vermetidae), a Newly Discovered Cryptogenic Pest Species in the Southern Caribbean

by Bert W. Hoeksema, Charlotte E. Harper, Sean J. Langdon-Down, Roel J. van der Schoot, Annabel Smith-Moorhouse, Roselle Spaargaren and Rosalie F. Timmerman

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030196 - 07 Mar 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3558

Abstract

The presence of associated endofauna can have an impact on the health of corals. During fieldwork on the southern Caribbean island of Curaçao in 2021, the presence of an unknown coral-dwelling worm snail was discovered, which appeared to cause damage to its hosts. A study of photo archives revealed that the species was already present during earlier surveys at Curaçao since 2014 and also in the southern Caribbean island of Bonaire in 2019. It was not found in St. Eustatius, an island in the eastern Caribbean, during an expedition in 2015. The vermetid snail was preliminarily identified as Petaloconchus sp. Its habitat choice resembles that of P. keenae, a West Pacific coral symbiont. The Caribbean species was observed in 21 host coral species, more than reported for any other vermetid. Because Petaloconchus sp. is a habitat generalist, it is possible that it was introduced from an area with another host-coral fauna. The unknown vermetid is considered to be cryptogenic until future studies reveal its actual identity and its native range. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

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12 pages, 652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Re-Examination of the Phylogenetic Relationship among Merulinidae Subclades in Non-Reefal Coral Communities of Northeastern Taiwan

by Chieh-Jhen Chen, Yu-Ying Ho and Ching-Fong Chang

Diversity 2022, 14(2), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14020144 - 17 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1981

Abstract

Species identification for spawning corals relies heavily on morphology. Recent molecular phylogenetic approaches have demonstrated the limits of traditional coral taxonomy based solely on skeletal morphology. Merulinidae is considered a complex taxonomic group, containing 24 genera and 149 species. This family is one of the most taxonomically challenging and its taxonomy has largely improved in recent studies. However, studies of the phylogeny of Merulinidae are constrained by limited geographic scales. In Taiwan, merulinid corals are dominant in non-reefal communities on northeast coasts and they consistently spawn between summer and fall. This study is a first attempt to establish a molecular database of merulinid corals in this new area, including a volcanic island (Kueishan Island), and provide information about sexual reproduction. We analyzed 65 specimens, including 9 genera and 28 species collected from Taiwan using one mitochondrial marker (COI: cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) and three nuclear markers (ITS: nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer, 28S rDNA D1 and D2, and histone H3) to re-examine phylogenetic relationships and search for new species. Overall, 58 COI sequences, 59 for ITS, 63 for 28S, and 62 histone sequences were newly obtained from the collected specimens. The reconstructed molecular tree demonstrates that all the specimens and reference sequences we examined are clustered within Merulinidae. Subclades A, B, C, D/E, F, G, H, and I are congruent with previous studies. However, Astrea curta is separated from the other congeneric species, Astrea annuligera (XVII-B), which is a sister to Favites and defined as a new subclade K. In addition, two new species (Paragoniastrea deformis and Paragoniastrea australensis) were discovered for the first time in Taiwan, and we defined them as a new subclade J. In addition, A. curta, P. auastralensis, and P. deformis are all hermaphroditic spawners and released bundles in July. This study greatly improves the accuracy of biodiversity estimates, systematic taxonomy, and reproduction for Taiwan’s coral ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

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18 pages, 3416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity of Coral Reef Fishes in the Western Indian Ocean: Implications for Conservation

by Melita Samoilys, Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip, Robert Myers and Pascale Chabanet

Diversity 2022, 14(2), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14020102 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4069

Abstract

Communities of coral reef fishes are changing due to global warming and overfishing. To understand these changes and inform conservation, knowledge of species diversity and distributions is needed. The western Indian Ocean (WIO) contains the second highest coral reef biodiversity hotspot globally, yet a detailed analysis of the diversity of coral reef fishes is lacking. This study developed a timed visual census method and recorded 356 species from 19 families across four countries in the WIO to examine patterns in species diversity. Species richness and composition differed most between the island countries of Madagascar and Comoros and both these locations differed from locations in Tanzania and Mozambique which were similar. These three regional groupings helped define WIO ecoregions for conservation planning. The highest species richness was found in Tanzania and Mozambique, and the lowest and most different species composition was found in Comoros. Biogeography explains these differences with naturally lower species diversity expected from the small, oceanic, and isolated islands of Comoros. Present day ocean currents maintain these diversity patterns and help explain the species composition in northeast Madagascar. Species distributions were driven by 46 of the 356 species; these provide guidance on important species for ongoing monitoring. The results provide a benchmark for testing future changes in reef fish species richness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

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13 pages, 1664 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Taxonomic Diversity of Decapod and Stomatopod Crustaceans Associated with Pocilloporid Corals in the Central Mexican Pacific

by Arizbeth Alonso-Domínguez, Manuel Ayón-Parente, Michel E. Hendrickx, Eduardo Ríos-Jara, Ofelia Vargas-Ponce, María del Carmen Esqueda-González and Fabián Alejandro Rodríguez-Zaragoza

Diversity 2022, 14(2), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14020072 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3404

Abstract

Many crustacean species are obligate associates of pocilloporid corals, where they feed, reproduce, and find shelter. However, these coral-associated crustaceans have been poorly studied in the eastern tropical Pacific. Determining the crustacean richness and taxonomic distinctness could help in comparing different coral reefs and the potential effects of degradation. This study evaluated the spatio–temporal variation of the taxonomic diversity and distinctness of coral-associated crustaceans in four ecosystems of the Central Mexican Pacific (CMP) with different conditions and coral cover. In all ecosystems, 48 quadrants were sampled during the summer and winter for two years. A total of 12,647 individuals belonging to 88 species, 43 genera, and 21 families were recorded. The sampling effort yielded 79.6% of the expected species richness in the study area. Species rarity had 19% singletons, 4% doubletons, 22% unique, and 9% duplicate species; two species represented new records for the Mexican Pacific, and six were new to the CMP. This study recorded most of the symbiotic crustacean species in pocilloporid corals previously reported in the CMP. The taxonomic diversity and distinctness differed significantly between coral ecosystems and seasons, which was also visualized by nMDS ordination, showing an evident spatio–temporal variation in the taxonomic beta diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

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Other

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9 pages, 11776 KiB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Black Mantle Tissue of Endolithic Mussels (Leiosolenus spp.) Is Cloaking Borehole Orifices in Caribbean Reef Corals

by Bert W. Hoeksema, Annabel Smith-Moorhouse, Charlotte E. Harper, Roel. J. van der Schoot, Rosalie F. Timmerman, Roselle Spaargaren and Sean J. Langdon-Down

Diversity 2022, 14(5), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14050401 - 20 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2579

Abstract

Bioerosion caused by boring mussels (Mytilidae: Lithophaginae) can negatively impact coral reef health. During biodiversity surveys of coral-associated fauna in Curaçao (southern Caribbean), morphological variation in mussel boreholes was studied. Borings were found in 22 coral species, 12 of which represented new host records. Dead corals usually showed twin siphon openings, for each mussel shaped like a figure of eight, which were lined with a calcareous sheath and protruded as tubes from the substrate surface. Most openings surrounded by live coral tissue were deeper and funnel-shaped, with outlines resembling dumbbells, keyholes, ovals or irregular ink blotches. The boreholes appeared to contain black siphon and mantle tissue of the mussel. Because of the black color and the hidden borehole opening in live host corals, the mantle tissue appeared to mimic dark, empty holes, while they were actually cloaking live coral tissue around the hole, which is a new discovery. By illustrating the morphological range of borehole orifices, we aim to facilitate the easy detection of boring mussels for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

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4 pages, 22468 KiB

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Feeding Behavior of Coralliophila sp. on Corals Affected by Caribbean Ciliate Infection (CCI): A New Possible Vector?

by Simone Montano, Greta Aeby, Paolo Galli and Bert W. Hoeksema

Diversity 2022, 14(5), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14050363 - 04 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

Coral reefs in the Caribbean are known to be affected by many coral diseases, yet the ecology and etiology of most diseases remain understudied. The Caribbean ciliate infection (CCI) caused by ciliates belonging to the genus Halofolliculina is a common disease on Caribbean reefs, with direct contact considered the most likely way through which the ciliates can be transmitted between infected and healthy colonies. Here we report an observation regarding a Coralliophila sp. snail feeding in proximity to a cluster of ciliates forming the typical disease band of CCI. The result of this observation is twofold. The feeding behavior of the snail may allow the passive attachment of ciliates on the body or shell of the snail resulting in indirect transport of the ciliates among colonies, which makes it eligible as a possible disease vector. Alternatively, the lesions created from snail feeding may enhance the progression of the ciliates already present on the coral as well as promoting additional infections allowing pathogens to enter through the feeding scar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

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3 pages, 747 KiB

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First Report of Potential Coral Disease in the Coral Hatchery of Thailand

by Suppakarn Jandang, Dewi E. Bulan, Suchana Chavanich, Voranop Viyakarn, Kornrawee Aiemsomboon and Naraporn Somboonna

Diversity 2022, 14(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14010018 - 29 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1552

Abstract

In this study, coral disease was first reported in the coral hatchery in Thailand. Disease were usually found on corals aged two to five years old during the months of November to December of each year. To identify bacterial strains, culture-based methods for strain isolation and molecular techniques of the 16S rRNA gene analysis were used. The resuts showed that the dominant genera of bacteria in diseased corals were Vibrio spp. (comprising 41.01% of the isolates). The occurrence of the disease in the coral hatchery can have a significant effect on the health and survival of juvenile corals before being transplanted to natural reefs for restoration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

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