‘Dead’ coral rubble can support more animals than live coral, according to University of Queensland researchers trialling a high-tech sampling method.
‘Dead’ coral rubble can support more animals than live coral, according to University of Queensland researchers trialling a high-tech sampling method.
UQ’s Dr Kenny Wolfe said that reef rubble habitat was often overlooked as desolate, unattractive and ‘dead’, however reef rubble was very much alive.
“When people think of coral reefs they often think of larger invertebrates that are easily found, such as sea cucumbers, starfish and giant clams,” Dr Wolfe said.
“But interestingly, dead coral rubble supports more of what we call ‘cryptic’ animals than live coral.
“Cryptic animals are simply hidden creatures, that include tiny crabs, fishes, snails and worms – all of which hide in the nooks and crannies of the reef to avoid predation.
“And just like on land with small insects and bugs, biodiversity in the sea can be dominated by these tiny invertebrates.”
Read more at University Of Queensland
Image: RUbble Biodiversity Samplers (RUBS) deployed in dead rubble habitat on a coral reef in Palau to attract the great diversity of cryptic animals. CREDIT: University Of Queensland.
