Succession of microbiome communities in the early establishing process of epilithic algal matrix in a fringing reef

The epilithic algal matrix (EAM) exhibits rapid expansion, recovery capacity, and high adaptability, leading to its widespread distribution in degraded coral reef habitats. However, the limited research on the dynamic processes of succession hinders a comprehensive understanding of EAM formation. To examine the influence of succession processes and environmental factors on the composition of the EAM microbial community, a three-factor (time, depth, attached substrate type) crossover experiment was conducted in the Luhuitou Reef Area, Sanya, China.