Ecological Observations of Some Common Antipatharian Corals in the Marine Park of Bunaken (North Sulawesi, Indonesia)

Abstract

Ecological observations of some common antipatharian corals in the Marine Park of Bunaken (North Sulawesi, Indonesia).
\nZoological Studies 46(2): 227-241. The ecology of 16 common antipatharian species, living on shallow reefs in
\nBunaken National Marine Park (North Sulawesi, Indonesia) is described for the first time. The community structure
\nwas evaluated using standard ecological parameters. The vertical distribution and habitats of different
\nspecies are described. Observations on polyp morphology and feeding behavior made in situ are reported, and
\nthe most common symbiotic associations are listed. The highly diversified black coral assemblage shows
\nstrong site-dependent differences. Generally it is characterized by high values of the H index (1.5-2.5) indicating
\nhigh diversity and also high values of equitability (of approximately 1) indicating no real dominance but a
\nfunctional distribution of species. In general, the abundance of black corals increases with depth. The bathymetric
\ndistribution and the preferred habitat of each studied species appear to be the result of interactions
\namong both biological (mainly competition involving stony corals) and abiotic factors (mainly water movement).
\nDue to the numerous symbiotic associations involving black corals (especially with crabs, shrimp, and fish),
\nthey must be considered a keystone group in the structure of tropical coral reefs.