Evidence for rapid, tide-related shifts in the microbiome of the coral Coelastrea aspera

• DOI: 10.1007/s00338-017-1572-y
• Publication Date: 2017-03-23T22:55:04Z
• Authors: M. J. Sweet; B. E. Brown; R. P. Dunne; I. Singleton; M. Bulling
• Keywords: Aging; 0303 health sciences; Environmental microbiology; Culture and Communities; Coral reef; QR Microbiology; Aquatic Science; Senescence; 03 medical and health sciences; 579 Microorganisms, fungi & algae; Microbiology Research Group; Microbiome; 14. Life underwater

Shifts in the microbiome of intertidal coral Coelastrea aspera (formally known as Goniastrea aspera) from Phuket, Thailand, were noted over course a 4-d period spring tides. During this time, corals naturally exposed to high temperatures, intense solar radiation, sub-aerial exposure and tidally induced water fluxes. Analysis 16S highlighted that harbored both 'core or stable' communities those which appeared be more 'transient sporadic.' Only relatively few microbial associates classified core microbes; majority transient sporadic. Such likely have been governed by variations mucus thickness Here we report strong shifts bacterial community C. short temporal scale. However, also show significant differences timing between two age groups studied. More rapid changes (within 2 d exposure) occurred within 4-yr-old colonies, but slightly delayed response was observed 10-yr-old whereby only changed after 4 d. We hypothesize these are related could influenced baseline 4- corals, bacteria–bacteria interactions, and/or host energetics.