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Extension of Dendronephthya australis soft corals in tidal current flows

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Abstract

Soft corals from the Dendronephthya genus (family Nephtheidae) can change size over short periods by pumping water into their internal hydroskeletons. However, the drivers behind these size changes are not well understood. In a tidal-dominated estuary in eastern Australia, it was hypothesised that short-term changes in the size of Dendronephthya australis colonies occur in response to changes in tidal currents. This was tested by monitoring colonies over a period of several days using time-lapse photography. Colony extensions of up to 360 % were observed, and size changes exhibited a repeated pattern, with two maxima and two minima occurring in each tidal cycle, matching patterns in semi-diurnal tidal flows. A significant positive correlation between colony size and current velocity was identified, with size changes lagging currents. The results of the study provide valuable new information on the behaviour of D. australis and improve understanding of the environmental requirements for this species.

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Acknowledgments

This project was made possible by support from the Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. The authors wish to acknowledge Nicola Davis for her assistance with diving surveys. The authors also wish to thank the Manly Hydraulics Laboratory for supplying data from the Shoal Bay tidal gauge for the study period.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450, Australia

    Tom R. Davis & Stephen D. A. Smith

  2. Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia

    Tom R. Davis & Stephen D. A. Smith

  3. Fisheries Research, Marine Ecosystems, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Locked Bag 1, Nelson Bay, NSW, 2315, Australia

    David Harasti

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  1. Tom R. Davis
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  2. David Harasti
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  3. Stephen D. A. Smith
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Correspondence to Tom R. Davis.

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Responsible Editor: L.D. Mydlarz.

Reviewed by K. Fabricius and an undisclosed expert.

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Davis, T.R., Harasti, D. & Smith, S.D.A. Extension of Dendronephthya australis soft corals in tidal current flows. Mar Biol 162, 2155–2159 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-015-2732-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-015-2732-7

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