Purcell, S.W., and Bellwood, D.R. (2001) Spatial patterns of epilithic algal and detrital resources on a windward coral reef. Coral Reefs, 20 (2). pp. 117-125.

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Abstract

Algae and detritus co-occur on reef substrata, but their relative importance to consumers, in terms of biomass and nutrient content, is poorly understood. Epilithic algae, sediment and detritus were sampled among four windward zones at Lizard Island, Australia, using a vacuum sampler. Total N, P and biomass (total organic C) were quantified for algae and detritus. Algal and detrital biomass varied among zones and both were positively correlated with sediment load. Algal biomass was approximately six times higher than detritus on the reef crest. In other zones, the two components were more similar in abundance. Particulates on the reef crest had the highest organic:inorganic ratios, a feature likely to be favoured by herbivorous and detritivorous fishes. C:N ratios of algae and detritus, while locally variable, were broadly comparable among zones. C:P ratios of both components decreased in leeward zones. Although locally variable, detritus had a higher content of both N and P. Overall, detritus is relatively abundant on windward reef substrata and of equal or greater nutritional quality than algae. It represents a potentially important resource for both detritivorous and herbivorous fishes.

Item ID:	13159
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1432-0975
Keywords:	algae; detritus; nitrogen; organic carbon; phosphorus; sediment
Date Deposited:	28 Jun 2012 02:55
FoR Codes:	06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl Marine Ichthyology) @ 100%
SEO Codes:	96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960802 Coastal and Estuarine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 100%
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