Experimental bleaching of a tropical sea anemone in situ

摘要: Bleaching (whitening) of cnidarians such as corals and sea anemones has caused widespread degradation coral reefs around the world is therefore an urgent issue for reef science conservation. Although often bleach in aquaria, methods experimental induction bleaching wild are lacking, which impedes scientists’ ability to understand ultimate effects on broader ecosystem. In this study, we investigated utility in situ method tropical anemone Heteractis crispa. Healthy, were covered with opaque black plastic sheets, mesh cages or left undisturbed (controls) tentacle colour body size monitored a reference card flexible tape, respectively, every 1–3 days 15 days. Caged control remained unchanged duration experiment, but commenced whitening after 4–6 days completely white 7–14 days (mean time bleaching ± SE = 10.1 ± 0.7 days). Experimental occurred without reduction was visibly similar natural seen previously H. crispa. We hypothesize that light-deprivation, reduced water flow, physical contact some combination these factors bleaching. This study provides basis simple rapid inducing in situ, releases dependence sporadic events artificial aquarium experiments, means investigate other ecosystem components fishes.