| The Caribbean corals, Acropora cervicornis and Porites porites were grown under different conditions of light and feeding to determine their role in growth and sterol production. Light was the most important factor in the growth of both species and in the sterol production of P. porites. Exposure to different light and feeding conditions were accompanied by changes in biomass, protein, zooxanthellae density, chlorophyll a, and isotope values. However responses were different for both species, indicating the utilization of energy from photosynthesis and heterotrophy can be complex and variable among different coral species. The sterol composition of P. porites was dominated by zooxanthellae-derived sterols, with animal-based sterols incorporated into the holobiont only when light availability was decreased. Results of this study provide guidance for the management and protection of these and other similar species, as well as determine the resilience of coral in a changing ocean. |
