Coral microbiome response to algae

In this study, we examined the response of the microbiomes of three corals (Merulina ampliata, Montipora stellata, and Pocillopora acuta) to manipulated interactions with two algae (Lobophora variegata and Hypnea caespitosa) in mesocosm experiments. Corals collected from reefs around Singapore were placed in aquaria in direct contact with algae, in close proximity to algae, or in the absence of algae. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was used to assess prokaryotic community structure associated with both the corals at the start and end of the experimental period. Shifts in community structure where correlated with coral physiology, particularly photosynthetic efficiency and tissue bleaching. The port of Singapore is a highly degraded system with reefs often dominated by macroalgae, so understanding how corals from reefs within the port respond to algal interaction provides a unique opportunity to examine the adaptive ability of corals to respond to stressful environments and could provide a window for understanding the resilience of reefs to ever-increasing anthropogenic impacts.