Seawater carbonate chemistry and nutrient cycling in the Pocillopora damicornis larval host Symbiodiniaceae symbiosis

In this study, we used controlled aquaria experiments to investigate the effects of acidification and elevated temperature treatments on nutrient cycling in the larval hostSymbiodiniaceae symbiosis to elucidate the processes shaping symbiotic interactions. Using P. damicornis larvae harboring Durusdinium spp., we combined physiological measurements of larval performance with stable isotope labeling and analysis to explore the role of carbon and nitrogen assimilation in the symbiosis. First, we tested how experimental acidification (1000 µatm) and elevated temperature (32 °C) affect Symbiodiniaceae density and primary production. Second, we examined the effects of these conditions on larval carbon and nitrogen assimilation.