Variability in skeletal bulk densities of common hard corals in Southeast Asia

摘要: Skeletal density, a measure of coral’s investment in its structure and known proxy for climate history, can potentially be used to enhance the precision reef accretion models benefit management strategies. However, trait data an understanding how it may vary are limited, especially Southeast Asia’s coral reefs where information is available only few species. To fill this knowledge gap, we quantified skeletal densities 11 common species from four Singapore. density was best explained by model that included species, depth, colony size, sedimentation rate, water motion, as well interaction between depth size. Mean ranged 0.99 2.01 g cm−3, with massive growth forms (e.g. Platygyra sinensis) were least dense, while branching (Pocillopora acuta) densest. influenced positively motion negatively The depth–size also indicated large colonies deeper areas denser compared shallow colonies. Our findings suggest environmental conditions at local scales play important roles affecting provide indication relative vulnerability among taxa locations physical disturbances. need baseline on properties more further underscored if habitat conservation effective changing climate.