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Fragmentation and genotypic diversity of the scleractinian coral Montipora capitata in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 November 2008

A. Nishikawa*
Affiliation:
Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, 3422 Sesoko, Motobu, Okinawa 905-0227, Japan
R.A. Kinzie III
Affiliation:
Zoology Department and Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii96822
K. Sakai
Affiliation:
Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, 3422 Sesoko, Motobu, Okinawa 905-0227, Japan
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: A. Nishikawa, Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, 3422 Sesoko Motobu, Okinawa 905-0227, Japan email: akira_nishikawa27@ybb.ne.jp

Abstract

The fragmentation and genotypic diversity of Montipora capitata was determined in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, using field investigations and allozyme electrophoresis. Two stations were established in the Bay, one in the centre (exposed reef edge, EXPO) and the other at the south end (sheltered lagoonal reef, SHEL). Although the number and mean per cent cover of attached colonies did not differ significantly between the two habitats, number and cover of unattached colonies (fragments) were significantly higher at the sheltered habitat. Thirty-seven genotypes were detected in 176 samples using two or three enzyme loci. Although mean genet number did not differ significantly between the two habitats (mean±SE, 8.2±1.2 and 12.2±1.7 in exposed and sheltered reefs, respectively), lower genetic diversity was detected at SHEL (mean NG:N±SE, 0.75±0.08 and 0.50±0.06 for EXPO and SHEL, respectively). There was no evidence of strong clonal structure, i.e. many colonies, but few genets. Sexually produced new genets may account for the high genotypic diversity in M. capitata at these two habitats.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2008

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