The microbial biosphere of the coral <i>Acropora cervicornis</i> in Northeastern Puerto Rico

Abstract

Our results confirm that the microbiota of <i>A. cervicornis</i> inhabiting the northeastern region of Puerto Rico is dominated by a Rickettsiales-like bacterium and that there are significant changes in less dominant taxa at different water depths. These changes in less dominant taxa may potentially impact the coral's physiology, particularly with respect to its ability to respond to future increases in temperature and CO2.