Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Encrusting form of coral as a biofouler in the marine environment of southeast coast of India

Volume 47 Issue 1

N. Marimuthu, J. Jerald Wilson and A. K. Kumaraguru

Abstract

Encrusting form of coral Montipora sp. belonging to the family Acroporidae, was found to settle on vertically submerged biofouling test panels installed at Pudhumadam coastal waters in the Gulf of Mannar. No other types of corals were found to settle on these test panels. The recruitment and growth of the coral occurred during March and November. Only 2% of the total number of test panels showed coral attachment. A range of 7 - 15% of the surface area of the panels was covered by the coral growth. Out of four different types of test panels employed, the one which was made of concrete, showed no coral settlement.

 

Date : 30-06-2005