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Title: A HISTOCHEMICAL AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPICAL STUDY OF A GORGONIAN CORAL INFECTED WITH A GREEN FILAMENTOUS ALGA.
Creator: COLLEY, SUSAN BETH., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: A symbiosis between a gorgonian coral, Pseudoplexaura flagellosa (Houttuyn) and a filamentous green alga results in spongy nodules on the coral host. Morphological and histochemical differences between the normal and algal-infected coral were studied, using transmission electron microscopy and histochemistry. The algal filaments located within the host skeleton are covered with skeletal laminae. The infected skeleton is structurally abnormal and only remants of the mesogleal region adjacent...
Show moreA symbiosis between a gorgonian coral, Pseudoplexaura flagellosa (Houttuyn) and a filamentous green alga results in spongy nodules on the coral host. Morphological and histochemical differences between the normal and algal-infected coral were studied, using transmission electron microscopy and histochemistry. The algal filaments located within the host skeleton are covered with skeletal laminae. The infected skeleton is structurally abnormal and only remants of the mesogleal region adjacent to the skeleton remain. Acidic mucopoly-saccharide substances are associated with these areas. Host granulocytes are located in the mesoglea adjacent to the infected skeleton. These cells release vesicles that attach to algal filaments extending into the tissue zone. These host cells also stain positively for tyrosine and polyphenols which are known to be associated with the production of Pseudoplexaura skeleton. Granulocytes coat the algae and secrete skeletal-like material about them, therefore, participating in an encapsulation mechanism in defense of the host.
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Date Issued: 1987
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14397
Subject Headings: Coral reef biology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Temporal analysis of gene expression in a field population of the Scleractinian coral Montastraea faveolata.
Creator: Edge,Sara E., Morgan, Michael B., Snell, Terry W., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 2008-02-22
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/1745597
Subject Headings: Coral reef biology, Coral reef ecology, Coral reef ecology --Florida --Florida Keys, Gene Expression
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Ecology and nutrition of invasive Caulerpa brachypus f. parvifolia blooms on coral reefs off southeast Florida, U.S.A.
Creator: Lapointe, Brian E., Bedford, Bradley J.
Date Issued: 2010-01
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/1925499
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology --Florida --Florida Keys, Coral reef ecology, Coral reef biology, Algal blooms, Algae Toxicology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Deep-water Oculina coral reefs of Florida: biology, impacts and management.
Creator: Reed, John K.
Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2783223
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology --Florida, Coral reef ecology --Research --Florida, Coral reef management --United States, Coral reef biology --Florida, Coral reefs and islands --Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Coral-Algal Symbioses in Mesophotic Montastraea cavernosa in the Gulf of Mexico.
Creator: Polinski, Jennifer, Voss, Joshua, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Mesophotic reefs represent biodiverse ecosystems that may act as a refuge for depth-generalist coral species threatened in shallow habitats. Despite the importance of coral-algal symbioses, few studies focus on mesophotic zooxanthellae assemblages and their influence on connectivity. This study compared zooxanthellae in Montastraea cavernosa at shallow and mesophotic depths at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and McGrail Bank. Mesophotic corals contained more zooxanthellae and...
Show moreMesophotic reefs represent biodiverse ecosystems that may act as a refuge for depth-generalist coral species threatened in shallow habitats. Despite the importance of coral-algal symbioses, few studies focus on mesophotic zooxanthellae assemblages and their influence on connectivity. This study compared zooxanthellae in Montastraea cavernosa at shallow and mesophotic depths at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and McGrail Bank. Mesophotic corals contained more zooxanthellae and more chlorophyll a and c2 per unit area coral. Increased zooxanthellae within mesophotic corals may represent an adaptive strategy to optimize light capture in low-light environments. Genetic profiles for zooxanthellae assemblages from shallow and mesophotic corals showed similar diversity across banks and between depths. The dominant sequence making up assemblages was identified as Symbiodinium type C1. Similar assemblage diversity suggests that zooxanthellae assemblages will not limit connectivity potential between shallow and mesophotic corals at these reefs.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004665, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004665
Subject Headings: Adaptation (Biology), Coral reef biology, Coral reef ecology -- Research, Coral reefs and islands -- Monitoring, Corals -- Habitat, Marine biodiversity, Marine resources conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Nematocyst replacement in the sea anemone Aiptasia Pallida following predation by Lysmata Wurdemanni: an inducible defense?.
Creator: Jennings, Lucas, Laramore, Susan E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The sea anemone Aiptasia pallida is a biological model for anthozoan research. Like all cnidarians, A. pallida possesses nematocysts for food capture and defense. Studies have shown that anthozoans, such as corals, can rapidly increase nematocyst concentration when faced with competition or predation, suggesting that nematocyst production may be an induced trait. The potential effects of two types of tissue damage, predator induced (Lysmata wurdemanni) and artificial (forceps), on nematocyst...
Show moreThe sea anemone Aiptasia pallida is a biological model for anthozoan research. Like all cnidarians, A. pallida possesses nematocysts for food capture and defense. Studies have shown that anthozoans, such as corals, can rapidly increase nematocyst concentration when faced with competition or predation, suggesting that nematocyst production may be an induced trait. The potential effects of two types of tissue damage, predator induced (Lysmata wurdemanni) and artificial (forceps), on nematocyst concentration was assessed. Nematocysts were identified by type and size to examine the potential plasticity associated with nematocyst production. While no significant differences were found in defensive nematocyst concentration between shrimp predation treatments versus controls, there was a significant difference in small-sized nematocyst in anemones damaged with forceps. The proportions of the different types of nematocysts between treatment types were also found to be different suggesting that nematocyst production in A. pallida is a plastic trait.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004204, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004204
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Marine ecology, Nematocysts, Predation (Biology), Sea anemones
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Characterization of symbiotic algae, genus Symbiodinium, in corals at St. Lucie reef, Florida.
Creator: Klepac, Courtney, Voss, Joshua, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The unique coral reef at St. Lucie Reef (Stuart, FL) persists despite environmental variability from extensive freshwater discharges, summer upwelling, and thermal instability. By examining the symbiotic zooxanthellae, or Symbiodinium, that reside in corals, we can gain insight to coral physiology impacted by local stressors. Two scleractinian corals, Montastraea cavernosa and Pseudodiploria clivosa were sampled over 1.5 years, including both wet and dry seasons. Zooxanthellae were isolated...
Show moreThe unique coral reef at St. Lucie Reef (Stuart, FL) persists despite environmental variability from extensive freshwater discharges, summer upwelling, and thermal instability. By examining the symbiotic zooxanthellae, or Symbiodinium, that reside in corals, we can gain insight to coral physiology impacted by local stressors. Two scleractinian corals, Montastraea cavernosa and Pseudodiploria clivosa were sampled over 1.5 years, including both wet and dry seasons. Zooxanthellae were isolated and quantitatively characterized using standard measurements and molecular techniques. Both coral species varied in zooxanthellae biomass, where Pseudodiploria clivosa had Higher cell densities and chlorophyll concentrations than Montastraea cavernosa. Over time, these parameters varied, but were not significantly altered by fresh water discharge events. Symbiodinium diversity and abundance were identified by ITS2 region amplification and next-generation sequencing .Novel associations between Symbiodinium and each coral explained the observed physiological differences. The symbioses remained stable throughout and could indicate local adaptation for St. Lucie Reef corals.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004211
Subject Headings: Adaptation (Biology), Coral reef biology, Coral reef ecology, Marine chemical ecology, St. Lucie Reef (Stuart, Fla.) -- Environmental aspects, St. Lucie River Estuary (Fla.) -- Environmental aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Macroalgal blooms on southeast Florida coral reefs I. Nutrient stoichiometry of the invasive green alga Codium isthmocladum in the wider Caribbean indicates nutrient enrichment.
Creator: Lapointe, Brian E., Barile, Peter J., Littler, Mark M., Littler, Diane S., Bedford, Bradley J., Gasque, Constance
Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2827824
Subject Headings: Coral reef biology --Florida, Coral reefs and islands --Florida, Algae, Eutrophication --Toxicology, Water --Nitrogen content, Water --Phosphorus content
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Phosphorus limitation in reef macroalgae of South Florida.
Creator: Kehler, Courtney., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Nitrogen (N) has traditionally been regarded as the primary limiting nutrient to algal growth in marine coastal waters, but recent studies suggest that phosphorus (P) can be limiting in carbonate-rich environments. To better understand the importance of P. alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was measured in reef macroalgae in seven counties of south Florida ; several significant trends emerged : 1) APA decreased geographically from the highest values in Dada>Monroe>Palm Beach>St. Lucie...
Show moreNitrogen (N) has traditionally been regarded as the primary limiting nutrient to algal growth in marine coastal waters, but recent studies suggest that phosphorus (P) can be limiting in carbonate-rich environments. To better understand the importance of P. alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was measured in reef macroalgae in seven counties of south Florida ; several significant trends emerged : 1) APA decreased geographically from the highest values in Dada>Monroe>Palm Beach>St. Lucie>Broward>Martin>Lee counties 2) APA varied temporally with increasing nutrient-rich runoff in the wet season 3) APA varied due to taxonomic division Phaeophyta>Rhodophyta>Chlorophyta 4) Nutrient enrichment experiments demonstrated that increased N-enrichment enhanced P-limitation while increased P decreased P-limitation. These results suggest that high APA observed in carbonate-rich waters of Dade County and low APA in Broward County resulted from high nutrient inputs associated with anthropogenic nutrient pollution.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358598
Subject Headings: Nitrogen, Environmental aspects, Coral reef ecology, Coral reef biology, Marine algae, Physiology, Algal communities, Physiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Taxonomy and ecology of the deep-pelagic fish family Melamphaidae, with emphasis on interactions with a mid-ocean ridge system.
Creator: Bartow, Kyle Allen., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Much of the world's oceans lie below a depth of 200 meters, but very little is known about the creatures that inhabit these deep-sea environments. The deep-sea fish family Melamphaidae (Stephanoberyciformes) is one such example of an understudied group of fishes. Samples from the MAR-ECO (www.mar-eco.no) project represent one of the largest melamphaid collections, providing an ideal opportunity to gain information on this important, but understudied, family of fishes. The key to the family...
Show moreMuch of the world's oceans lie below a depth of 200 meters, but very little is known about the creatures that inhabit these deep-sea environments. The deep-sea fish family Melamphaidae (Stephanoberyciformes) is one such example of an understudied group of fishes. Samples from the MAR-ECO (www.mar-eco.no) project represent one of the largest melamphaid collections, providing an ideal opportunity to gain information on this important, but understudied, family of fishes. The key to the family presented here is the first updated, comprehensive key since those produced by Ebeling and Weed (1963) and Keene (1987). Samples from the 2004 MAR-ECO cruise and the U.S. National Museum of Natural History provided an opportunity to review two possible new species, the Scopelogadus mizolepis subspecies, and a Poromitra crassiceps species complex. Results show that Scopeloberyx americanus and Melamphaes indicoides are new species, while the two subspecies of Scopelogadus mizolepis are most likely o nly one species and the Poromitra crassiceps complex is actually several different species of Poromitra. Data collected from the MAR-ECO cruise provided an opportunity to study the distribution, reproductive characteristics and trophic ecology of the family Melamphaidae along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). Cluster analysis showed that there are five distinct groups of melamphaid fishes along the MAR. This analysis also supported the initial observation that the melamphaid assemblage changes between the northern and southern edges of an anti-cyclonic anomaly that could be indicative of a warm-core ring. Analysis of the reproductive characteristics of the melamphaid assemblage revealed that many of the female fishes have a high gonadosomatic index (GSI) consistent with values found for other species of deep-sea fishes during their spawning seasons., This may indicate that melamphaids use this ridge as a spawning ground. Diets of the melamphaid fishes were composed primarily of ostracods, a mphipods, copepods and euphausiids. Scopelogadus was the only genus shown to have a high percent of gelatinous prey in their digestive system, while Melamphaes had the highest concentration of chaetognaths. This work presents data on the ecology and taxonomy of the family Melamphaidae and provides a strong base for any future work on this biomass-dominant family of fishes.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2867331
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Marine biology, Marine ecology, Deep-sea biology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The impacts of harmful algal blooms on a Florida reef fish community.
Creator: Baumberger, Rex E., Jr., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Biology
Abstract/Description: Coral reefs worldwide are threatened by many environmental disturbances including harmful algal blooms (HABs) which have been increasing on Florida coasts over the past decade. Research has mainly focused on HAB identification, percent cover and other effects on the benthos but the relationship of HABs with upper trophic levels has received less attention. To study this relationship, a two-year investigation on a 10-m deep reef off of Hallandale Beach, was conducted. Stationary fish census...
Show moreCoral reefs worldwide are threatened by many environmental disturbances including harmful algal blooms (HABs) which have been increasing on Florida coasts over the past decade. Research has mainly focused on HAB identification, percent cover and other effects on the benthos but the relationship of HABs with upper trophic levels has received less attention. To study this relationship, a two-year investigation on a 10-m deep reef off of Hallandale Beach, was conducted. Stationary fish census coupled with benthic transect videos were conducted quarterly between April 2005-July 2007. A significant correlation between Lyngbya sp. blooms and alterations in fish assemblages was observed. Lyngbya had a negative interaction with fish species and abundance; additionally, HAB sample periods were significantly different from low algal abundance periods. Blooms of Dictyota sp. had no measurable relationship with the fish assemblage indicating HABs may have variable impacts on fishes depending on family, species and chemistry of the algae.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186286
Subject Headings: Toxic algae, Environmental aspects, Algal blooms, Environmental aspects, Water quality biological assessment, Coral reef ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Spatial and trophic ecology of the sawtooth eel, Serrivomer beanii, a biomass-dominant bathypelagic fish over the northern Mid-Atlantic ridge.
Creator: Geidner, Megan E., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The role of Serrivomer beanii in bathypelagic food webs is poorly known, but abundance and biomass estimates from the 2004 G.O. Sars MAR-ECO Expedition suggest it to have a high level of importance. MAR-ECO, a Census of Marine Life field project, has allowed us to increase our knowledge of S. beanii through spatial analysis, including the congeneric species Serrivomer lanceolatoides, and trophic analysis. Serrivomer beanii abundance and biomass exhibited a decreasing trend along the northern...
Show moreThe role of Serrivomer beanii in bathypelagic food webs is poorly known, but abundance and biomass estimates from the 2004 G.O. Sars MAR-ECO Expedition suggest it to have a high level of importance. MAR-ECO, a Census of Marine Life field project, has allowed us to increase our knowledge of S. beanii through spatial analysis, including the congeneric species Serrivomer lanceolatoides, and trophic analysis. Serrivomer beanii abundance and biomass exhibited a decreasing trend along the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge from north to south. In terms of size, S. beanii was found to increase as distance from the ridge decreased, suggesting a topographic aggregation strategy. The diet of S. beanii consisted of crustaceans, cephalopods, and teleosts. The trophic results of this study reveal a likely "alternative" trophic pathway in the deep mid-North Atlantic, and perhaps other, bathypelagic ecosystems: higher trophic-level predators are supported by micronektonic invertebrates as primary prey.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/165941
Subject Headings: Plankton, Ecology, Coral reef animals, Ecology, Deep sea biology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Snapping shrimp protect host anemones from predators.
Creator: McCammon, Amber., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The sea anemone Bartholomea annulata, is an ecologically important member of Caribbean coral reefs. This anemone serves as symbiotic host to crustacean associates, some of which may control parasite loads by "cleaning" reef fishes. Associates may gain protection from predation by dwelling with anemones. B. annulata was the most abundant anemone documented on three reefs, with 52% host to crustacean symbionts. Of those occupied by multi-species groups, 92% included Alpheus armatus shrimp. A....
Show moreThe sea anemone Bartholomea annulata, is an ecologically important member of Caribbean coral reefs. This anemone serves as symbiotic host to crustacean associates, some of which may control parasite loads by "cleaning" reef fishes. Associates may gain protection from predation by dwelling with anemones. B. annulata was the most abundant anemone documented on three reefs, with 52% host to crustacean symbionts. Of those occupied by multi-species groups, 92% included Alpheus armatus shrimp. A. armatus is an important anemone associate providing protection to the anemone from predators such as Hermodice carunculata, in laboratory and field trials. H. carunculata can completely devour or severely damage prey anemones. Here I show that anemones hosting symbiotic alpheid shrimp are extremely less likely to sustain damage by predators than solitary anemones. The role of protector may be reciprocally provided by anemone and decapod associates.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1930494
Subject Headings: Predation (Biology), Animal behavior, Coral reef ecology, Sea anemones, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Macroalgal blooms on southeast Florida coral reefs II. Cross-shelf discrimination of nitrogen sources indicates widespread assimilation of sewage nitrogen.
Creator: Lapointe, Brian E., Barile, Peter J., Littler, Mark M., Littler, Diane S., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2827827
Subject Headings: Coral reef biology --Florida, Coral reefs and islands --Florida, Eutrophication --Toxicology, Algae, Water --Nitrogen content, Water --Phosphorus content, Water --Purification --Nitrogen removal
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (9)	+ -
HBOI Faculty Contributions (5)	+ -

Coral reef ecology (8)	+ -
Coral reef biology (6)	+ -
Coral reef biology --Florida (3)	+ -
Coral reefs and islands --Florida (3)	+ -
Marine ecology (3)	+ -

Adaptation (Biology) (2)	+ -
Algae (2)	+ -
Algal blooms (2)	+ -
Coral reef ecology --Florida --Florida Keys (2)	+ -
Environmental aspects (2)	+ -
Eutrophication --Toxicology (2)	+ -
Predation (Biology) (2)	+ -
Sea anemones (2)	+ -
Water --Nitrogen content (2)	+ -
Water --Phosphorus content (2)	+ -
Algae Toxicology (1)	+ -
Algal communities (1)	+ -
Animal behavior (1)	+ -
Coral reef animals (1)	+ -
Coral reef ecology -- Research (1)	+ -
Coral reef ecology --Florida (1)	+ -
Coral reef ecology --Research --Florida (1)	+ -
Coral reef management --United States (1)	+ -
Coral reefs and islands -- Monitoring (1)	+ -
Corals -- Habitat (1)	+ -
Deep sea biology (1)	+ -
Deep-sea biology (1)	+ -
Ecology (1)	+ -
Gene Expression (1)	+ -
Marine algae (1)	+ -

Florida (2)	+ -
Atlantic Ocean (1)	+ -

Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (9)	+ -
article (5)	+ -

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