Population dynamics of a free-living coral: recruitment, growth and survivorship of Manicina areolata (Linnaeus) on the Caribbean coast of Panama

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Abstract

Populations of the free-living coral Manicina areolata (Linnaeus) are common in the sea grass flats and mangrove-associated communities in the San Blas Archipelago, northeast Panama. Demographic analysis of these populations suggests that they are self-seeding, since total recruitment rate (number of recruits per square meter) is positively correlated with population density. Per capita recruitment rate (number of recruits per mature colony) is not correlated with density, suggesting that early postsettlement mortality plays an important role in determining population dynamics. Adult survivorship is density independent but size related, with both small and large colonies subject to high rates of mortality. This result is a function of constraints posed by the free-living mode of life of M. areolata, in contrast to attached reef corals in which colonies continue to enjoy higher survivorship with increasing size. M. areolata possesses life-history characteristics suitable for life in patchy, chronically disturbed environments. Colonies do not become reproductive until after they have grown large enough to escape the high probability of death associated with small size, and larvae are brooded and settle soon after release. This restricted dispersal allows dense populations to develop in patchy but nutrient rich environments such as reef flats and mangrove fringe communities.

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