Rates of linear branch extension were determined for Oculina varicosa for one year on a nearshore, shallow water reef (6 m) and on a shelf-edge, O. varicosa coral bank (80 m) off central eastern Florida, U.S.A. Both site and season had a significant effect on growth with most of the variability due to the site factor. Linear branch growth was significantly greater at 80 m (x=16.1 mm/yr) than at 6 m (x= 11.3 mm/yr) although temperature was significantly lower at 80 m than 6 m (x=16.2, 24.6° C, respectively). The growth of the 6-m coral, possessing zooxanthellae, showed a negative response to high sedimentation rates which reduced light levels. Growth rates at both stations showed a positive response to water temperature and solar radiation and a negative response to current velocity.

Depth range
6- 80 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
1 x (total of 3681 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'mesophotic coral ecosystem'

Fields
Long-term monitoring
Physiology
Ecology

Focusgroups
Scleractinia (Hard Corals)

Locations
USA - Continental Atlantic Ocean

Platforms
Manned Submersible
SCUBA (open-circuit or unspecified)