Are vertical distribution patterns of scleractinian corals maintained by pre- or post-settlement processes? A case study of three contrasting species

摘要: Vertical zonation of hard corals in tropical coral reef systems is a well documented and predictable pattern the organisation communities. However, mechanisms that underly vertical are poorly understood. Two alternative conceptual models for maintenance considered; depth-dependent settlement larvae, or indiscriminant larvae with distributions determined by differential post-settlement mortality depth. These were evaluated undertaking field translocation experiments using 10 d old juveniles 3 species contrasting adult distributions: Goniastrea aspera (Verrill)-restricted to shallow fiat habitats; Oxypora lacera low light, lower slope Platygyra daedalea (Ellis Solander)-a broad depth range. Laboratory-raised each settled onto terracotta plates translocated depths field: flat (0 m), mid (5 (10 m). Survival laboratory-settled was monitored at 3, 6 12 mo after settlement. For species, survived equally all over study period. The survivorship G. P. among depths, however, dependent on plate surface (top, bottom). Given absence survival from 2 zone-specific O. lacera, we reject hypothesis distribution patterns these followed early