The presence of crustose coralline algae (CCA) on a reef serves as a cue to coral larvae that the reef is suitable for settlement. We have found in a previous experiment at SeaSim that the larvae of coral species settled differently to a diversity of common CCA species. The study revealed novel species-specific pairings that could help improve the settlement of a wide range of corals for reef restoration. We found a species of CCA called Titanoderma tessellatum that induced larval settlement in most of the coral species which we tested.
This spawning season in SeaSim, we will extract the chemical compounds from the tissue of Titanoderma. Using advanced techniques, we will narrow down on fractions of the algae chemistry that are responsible for inducing coral larval settlement.
Our findings will contribute to developing coral aquaculture procedures to produce a wider range of coral species, beyond Acropora, that can be used to help regenerate degraded reefs.
What are crustose coralline algae?
Crustose coralline algae (or CCA) are a group of calcifying red algae that play important roles in coral reef ecology. Similar to corals, they form a calcium carbonate skeleton that contributes to reef cementation and reef stabilization. Coralline algae evolved more than 140 million years ago, yet very little is known about their taxonomic identification and intimate relationships with reef-building corals.
Feature image credit: Christopher Brunner
