Geographic differences in vertical connectivity in the Caribbean coral Montastraea cavernosa despite high levels of horizontal connectivity at shallow depths

• DOI: 10.1111/mec.12861
• Publication Date: 2014-07-16T13:52:21Z
• Authors: X. Serrano; I. B. Baums; K. O'Reilly; T. B. Smith; R. J. Jones; T. L. Shearer; F. L. D. Nunes; A. C. Baker
• Keywords: Symbiodinium; Anthozoa

Abstract The deep reef refugia hypothesis proposes that reefs can act as local recruitment sources for shallow following disturbance. To test this hypothesis, nine polymorphic DNA microsatellite loci were developed and used to assess vertical connectivity in 583 coral colonies of the Caribbean depth‐generalist Montastraea cavernosa . Samples collected from three depth zones (≤10, 15–20 ≥25 m) at sites Florida (within Upper Keys, Lower Keys Dry Tortugas), Bermuda, U.S. Virgin Islands. Migration rates estimated determine probability larval migration shallow. Finally, algal symbiont ( Symbiodinium spp.) diversity distribution assessed a subset corals whether zonation might indicate limited connectivity. Overall, analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation by Florida, but not Bermuda or Islands, despite high levels horizontal between these geographic locations depths. Within greater was observed Tortugas compared Keys. However, all sites, regardless extent connectivity, occurred asymmetrically, with likelihood intermediate/deep habitats. most hosted single type (C3), ruling out dominant structuring factor. Together, findings suggest potential recover deep‐water M. is location‐specific, varying among within likely consequence hydrology.