Change in the composition of fauna associated with Pocillopora spp. (Scleractinia, Pocilloporidae) following transplantation Revista de Biología Tropical

Associated fauna comprises most of the diversity of a coral reef and performs ecological functions essential to the reef’s survival. Since Pocillopora corals harbor an important associated fauna, reef restoration efforts are underway in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, to preserve them. To describe changes in cryptofauna and fish communities associated with Pocillopora colonies to better understand the succession of associated fauna following transplantation. An experimental patch of 30 nursery-grown Pocillopora colonies and a control patch containing no colonies were monitored for 8 months following transplantation in Golfo Dulce. Cryptofauna within each colony and fish within each patch were observed using SCUBA to quantify temporal changes in the abundance, diversity, and community structure of the colonies.