Habitat selection by larvae influences the depth distribution of six common coral species

摘要: The depth range of coral species has often been attributed to post-settlement mortality reflecting different physiological tolerances along physical gradients, such as light and water movement. Consequently, the potential habitat selection by larvae contribute these patterns largely ignored. To test whether prefer substratum conditioned in parental habitat, 6 common species, with contrasting distributions, were introduced aquaria containing settlement tiles at 2 12 m (shallow deep), plus unconditioned tiles. Goniastrea aspera G. retiformis, reef-flat settled on shallow densities 4 times greater than deep Fungia horrida, a locally restricted deeper water, was more abundant tiles. F. repanda, similar distribution, exclusively Platygyra daedalea, wide range, preferentially tiles; however, this preference much less pronounced or retiformis. Leptoria phyrgia, another equally substrata. We conclude that distribution is influenced, part, substrate preferences settlement.