Influence of fragment size on post transplantation growth and survival of domed scleractinian corals

Coral transplantation helps to reinstate coral cover in degraded reefs, but the general success of this approach is hampered by limited understanding of how coral-fragment size affects growth and survival of transplants of non-branching species. In this study, we compared the effects of three size classes of coral fragments (small: 2-4cm, medium: 5-7cm and large: 9-11cm) on the post-transplantation survivorship and growth of Favites complanata (n=51), Favites pentagona (n=54) and Platygyra sinensis (n=60) attached to granite rocks on a subtidal seawall in Singapore. After 18 months, transplants of all species showed high survivorship (all >64%) and up to 6.3-fold increase in live tissue area. Survivorship was not significantly different among the size classes of each species. Mean linear extension rates were fastest only for small F. complanata transplants compared to medium-sized ones. Our findings also suggested that the transplantation of only small fragments could generate better yield in live coral cover and present the most optimal use of the original amount of coral source material. Such information is critical for formulating management and conservation strategies in urbanized reef systems typically dominated by non-branching corals.

Automated summary

Coral transplantation is effective in restoring coral cover in degraded reefs, and the size of coral fragments has minimal impact on the success of transplantation. Transplanting only small coral fragments can yield better live coral cover and make more efficient use of the original coral source material.