Microboring organisms in living stylasterid corals (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa)

摘要: ABSTRACTMicroboring or euendolithic microorganisms, which colonize and penetrate various carbonate substrates, are abundant in coral reef ecosystems play a major role dissolution. A few studies reported the presence of euendoliths stylasterid skeletons but biological identity, distribution abundance these microorganisms remain largely unknown. Observations over 100 colonies, collected Indo-Pacific area, revealed for first time that association between corals euendolith organisms appears to be quite common shallow tropical waters. The most was identified as cryptic stage development rhodophyte Porphyra (Conchocelis stage). were observed seven species three genera (four Stylaster, two Distichopora one Lepidotheca). inside conferred particular colour studied corals. Distribution abunda...