The impact of seawater temperature on coral growth parameters of the colonial coral Cladocora caespitosa (Anthozoa, Scleractinia) in the eastern Adriatic Sea

摘要: The scleractinian coral Cladocora caespitosa deserves a special place among the major carbonate bioconstructors of Mediterranean Sea. Annual skeleton growth, calcification, and density colonial C. taken from 25 locations in eastern Adriatic Sea were analyzed compared with annual sea surface temperatures (SST). growth rates stations ranged 1.92 to 4.19 mm per year, higher investigated corallites southern part These are similar those measured other areas correlation between is seen as follows: An X-radiograph analysis colonies that over 60 years old showed this coincided warmer period A positive significant exists corallite SST calcification SST. negative Coral also eutrophication caused by nearby fish farms, along greater depth high bottom currents.