Seasonal variation of Sargassum ilicifolium (Phaeophyceae) growth on equatorial coral reefs

Authors

Jeffrey K. Y. Low, National Centre, National Parks Board, Singapore
Jenny Fong, National University of Singapore
Peter A. Todd, National University of Singapore
Loke Ming Chou, National University of Singapore
Andrew G. Bauman, National University of SingaporeFollow

ORCID

0000-0001-9260-2153

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Phycology

ISSN

1529-8817

Publication Date

12-2-2018

Keywords

Environmental variables, Equator, Macroalgae, Phaeophyceae, Sargassum, Seasonality, Temperature, Temporal Variability

Abstract

Temporal and spatial variations in Sargassum ilicifolium thallus density and length were investigated on equatorial coral reefs in Singapore from November 2011 to October 2012. Thalli density varied little throughout the year, however, we found strong seasonal patterns in thallus length and identified temperature as the significant driver. Sargassum ilicifolium reached maximum length in December (110.39 ± 2.37 cm) during periods of cooler water temperatures, and minimum length in May (9.88 ± 0.48 cm) during periods of warmer water temperatures. Significant spatial variation was also observed for both thallus density and length of S. ilicifolium among reefs. Within reefs, densities of S. ilicifolium were higher on reef flats (20.40 ± 0.40 individuals · 0.25 m⁻²) compared to upper reef slopes (5.66 ± 0.23 individuals · 0.25 m⁻²). Our findings highlight that marked seasonality in the growth of canopy-forming macroalgae can occur within equatorial reef systems where temperature ranges are restricted (<3°C).

DOI

10.1111/jpy.12818

Volume

55

First Page

289

Last Page

296

NSUWorks Citation

Jeffrey K. Y. Low, Jenny Fong, Peter A. Todd, Loke Ming Chou, and Andrew G. Bauman. 2018. Seasonal variation of Sargassum ilicifolium (Phaeophyceae) growth on equatorial coral reefs .Journal of Phycology : 289 -296. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_facarticles/1279.