OP
OP
Interesting observations regarding 'Deepwater' Acro growth. In reading other threads people indicate, for the most part, Granulosa is relatively slow growing which is what I have also experienced.
The information I have found for A. granulosa on the internet is rather sketchy, at best, even from 'official sources'.
From Arkive: Colonies of Acropora granulosa are found in most subtidal reef environments, particularly on reef slopes that are protected from wave action (1) (3). It is seldom found in shallow water, but is common in clear water on reef walls and lower reef slopes, usually below depths of 15 metres (4) (6) (7). It may be found to depths of 40 metres, it is classed as 'extremely fast growing'.
In a scientific paper from the GBR they mention the coral found from relatively shallow 6 m down to deep 51 m (Seasonal Changes in Primary Production and Photoadaptation by the Reef-Building Coral Acropora Granulosa on the Great Barrier Reef - Springer).
Using previously developed equations, instantaneous rates of in situ photosynthesis were estimated for Acropora granulosa in December and June at Davies Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia (147°3 8’E, 18°51’S). Integration yielded estimated daily rates. Diel P/R ratios are high from the surface to 35 m (5.8% of daily surface light) and decline rapidly thereafter. Diel P/R ratios are greatest at a depth of 25 m (12% of daily surface light). During December the diel compensation depth is 60 m (1% of daily surface light); during June, it is 45 m (1.6% of daily surface summer light). Thus, it can be expected that Acropora granulosa will do well metabolically from the surface to a depth transmitting 5.8% of surface light; will do poorly from that depth down to a depth transmitting 1% of surface light; and is unlikely to survive at a, depth below the 1% light level. These metabolic expectations coincide with observed abundances from 6 to 51 m.
I have yet to find a pic of A. granulosa identified as growing in shallow water, but that would be most interesting!
The information I have found for A. granulosa on the internet is rather sketchy, at best, even from 'official sources'.
From Arkive: Colonies of Acropora granulosa are found in most subtidal reef environments, particularly on reef slopes that are protected from wave action (1) (3). It is seldom found in shallow water, but is common in clear water on reef walls and lower reef slopes, usually below depths of 15 metres (4) (6) (7). It may be found to depths of 40 metres, it is classed as 'extremely fast growing'.
In a scientific paper from the GBR they mention the coral found from relatively shallow 6 m down to deep 51 m (Seasonal Changes in Primary Production and Photoadaptation by the Reef-Building Coral Acropora Granulosa on the Great Barrier Reef - Springer).
Using previously developed equations, instantaneous rates of in situ photosynthesis were estimated for Acropora granulosa in December and June at Davies Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia (147°3 8’E, 18°51’S). Integration yielded estimated daily rates. Diel P/R ratios are high from the surface to 35 m (5.8% of daily surface light) and decline rapidly thereafter. Diel P/R ratios are greatest at a depth of 25 m (12% of daily surface light). During December the diel compensation depth is 60 m (1% of daily surface light); during June, it is 45 m (1.6% of daily surface summer light). Thus, it can be expected that Acropora granulosa will do well metabolically from the surface to a depth transmitting 5.8% of surface light; will do poorly from that depth down to a depth transmitting 1% of surface light; and is unlikely to survive at a, depth below the 1% light level. These metabolic expectations coincide with observed abundances from 6 to 51 m.
I have yet to find a pic of A. granulosa identified as growing in shallow water, but that would be most interesting!
