Comparative analysis of tissue biomass and energy reserves of six coral species from nearshore and offshore reefs in Palau, Micronesia during March 2017

The nearshore reef habitats in Palau, Micronesia, serve as a representation of the challenges that coral populations may face in a future with warmer and more acidic oceans. Interestingly, corals inhabiting these nearshore habitats demonstrate a greater ability to withstand and recover from episodes of thermal stress compared to their offshore counterparts. In order to investigate the underlying physiological mechanisms behind this tolerance, we conducted a comparative analysis of six coral species found in both offshore and nearshore environments. Specifically, we examined parameters such as tissue biomass (ash-free dry weight cm−2), energy reserves (including protein, total lipid, and carbohydrate content), as well as several crucial lipid classes.