Effects of elevated temperatures and health status of the crustose coralline algae Hydrolithon boergesenii (Corallinales: Mastophoroideae) on the larval settlement of Diploria labyrinthiformis (Scleractinia: Faviinae)

Abstract

Crustose Coralline Algae (CCA) is a well-known settlement inducer for stony corals and, ultimately, recruitment, a vital component for reef growth and resilience. However, potential impacts of diseased CCA on larval settlement are not fully understood, especially on particular coral species. As oceans continue to warm, coral larvae need to be able to respond to settlement cues in elevated temperatures, yet the combined effects of thermal stress and CCA health status on larval behavior is not well known for most coral species. Here we assessed the effect of elevated temperatures and disease on the ability of the CCA Hydrolithon boergesenii to induce settlement of Diploria labyrinthiformis larvae.