Fine-scale delineation of Symbiodiniaceae genotypes on a previously bleached central Red Sea reef system demonstrates a prevalence of coral host-specific associations

• DOI: 10.1007/s00338-020-01917-7
• Publication Date: 2020-03-16T18:02:58Z
• Authors: B. C. C. Hume; A. Mejia-Restrepo; C. R. Voolstra; M. L. Berumen
• Keywords: Hermatypic coral; Porites; Coral bleaching; Stylophora pistillata; Anthozoa; Symbiodinium

Abstract Widespread coral bleaching occurred in the central Red Sea 2010 and 2015. During both events, a cross-shelf depth gradient of severity was identified within Thuwal reef system, Sea, Saudi Arabia. While survival taxa were monitored, neither situ temperatures nor coral-associated algal communities (family Symbiodiniaceae) characterized. Here, we determined host-associated Symbiodiniaceae monitored along same on six reefs 2017 to better understand role these factors observed patterns generate baseline for further studies. We characterized > 600 coral–algal associations across winter summer genera scleractinian ( Pocillopora, Stylophora, Seriatopora, Galaxea, Gardineroseris, Porites ) one fire (Family Milleporidae) using ITS2 next-generation sequencing conjunction with SymPortal analytical framework. show that previous correlate poorly largely host-specific structure community are agreement absolute intraday sea water temperature variations reefs. demonstrate greater distinctiveness at more severely bleached inshore compared those offshore. However, potential changes prior our sampling prevent us from evaluating this as determinative differences severities. Based analyses, discuss how fine-scale delineation genotypes, including putative genotypes Durusdinium trenchii represent alluring targets taxonomic identification, corroborate niche-adapted rather than generalist character many coral–Symbiodiniaceae associations. In conclusion, studies such continue build global catalogue associations, may be afforded oversight specialized really restricted their modification be, which critical considerations predicting adaptive corals ecosystems they build.