The structure and productivity of the Thalassia testudinum community in Bon Accord Lagoon, Tobago

The Thalassia testudinum dominated seagrass community in the Buccoo Reef/ Bon Accord Lagoon Marine Park, measures 0.5 km(2) and is part of a contiguous coral reef, seagrass bed and mangrove swamp system in southwest Tobago. 7 testudinum coverage, productivity and percent turnover rates were measured from February 1998 to February 1999 at four sample locations, while total T. testudinum biomass was measured at two locations in the lagoon from 1992-2002. Productivity and turnover rates varied spatially and seasonally. They were higher in the back-reef area than in the mangrove-fringed lagoon, and were lowest at locations near to a sewage outfall. 7 testudinum coverage ranged from 6.6% in the lagoon to 68.5% in the back-reef area while productivity ranged from 3.9 to 4.9 g dry wt m(-2) d(-1) . Productivity and percentage turnover rates were higher in the dry season (January-June) than in the wet season (July-December). Productivity ranged from 3.0 in the wet season to 5.0 g dry wt m2 d-' in the dry season while percentage turnover rates ranged from 4.2% to 5.6%. Total Thalassia biomass and productivity in Bon Accord Lagoon were compared to six similar sites in the Caribbean that also participate in the Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity Program (CARICOMP). This seagrass community is being negatively impacted by nutrient-enriched conditions.     

Ichthyofauna associated to Thalassia testudinum at Lobos reef, Veracruz, Mexico: diversity and abundance

The diversity and abundance of ichthyofauna associated with Thalassia testudinum in the Lobos coral reef, Veracruz, Mexico, were studied in September and October 2002. Thirty six visual censuses in four sample sites were made using a 50 x 2 m transect belt. On each census, fish species, abundance and size were recorded. Leaf size and cover of T. testudinum were estimated. The similarity of fish groups was calculated with the Gower coefficient. The most abundant coral reef fishes were: Scarus iseri, Halichoeres bivittatus, Sparisoma radians, Stegastes adustus and Stegastes leucostictus. The highest density (0.04078 ind/m2) and biomass (0.72408 g/m2) of fish species were recorded in site II, where leaf size was greater (30.8 cm). The analysis of variance showed significant differences between sites in leaf size (F = 18.30856; p = 0.00001) and cover (H = 33.8119; p = 0.00001). These differences suggest a relationship between fish diversity and abundance, and T. testudinum leaf size and cover. The Gower similarity index produced two groups of fishes; one of them (site II) showed the highest abundance. In this reef, the fishes associated to sea grasses seem to reflect the characteristics of T. testudinum.     

Rapid data collection and assessment of the biology of Acanthurus nigrofuscus at Woleai Atoll, Micronesia

Traditional community fishing methods commonly employed in the tropical Pacific were used to generate information on the fishery biology of Acanthurus nigrofuscus at Woleai Atoll, Micronesia, over a short time period. A simple depletion model was used to estimate the biomass of A. nigrofuscus at four back reef lagoon sites at Woleai, using two different fishing methods; spear fishing and drive-in-net fishing. The mean biomass and density of A. nigrofuscus on the lagoon reefs was 8000 g ha ⁻¹ and 183 fish ha ⁻¹ respectively, with a total estimated standing stock for the lagoon of 91 500 fish or a biomass of 4·0 t. The size frequencies of fish caught by spear fishing were biased towards larger sized individuals, while those from drive-in-net fishing were thought to be more representative of the true population size frequencies. Variation in the density and biomass of A. nigrofuscus at the four reef sites was thought to be due to the length of time between episodes of community fishing at each reef site. The sex ratio (male: female) of A. nigrofuscus was significantly different from unity (1: 0·47) and males grew larger than females. Sexually mature fish were present in all size classes above the minimum capture length and spawning activity was greatest during the period of the full moon.     

Spatial patterns of Yucatan reef fish communities: Testing models using a multi-scale survey design

Using a hierarchical multi-scale survey design, we examined the spatial patterns of reef fish communities and tested ecological models concerning the relative importance of reef geomorphology and anthropogenic pressure possibly driving community structure. Canonical redundancy analysis was used as a form of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to asses differences in reef fish community composition at two spatial scales: broad (10⁵ m) and intermediate (10⁴ m). Surveys were conducted on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexican Caribbean fringing reef), including regions and reefs which differed in geomophologic structure and human use. Seven hundred and fourteen line transects were distributed among 13 reef localities belonging to different regions established a priori. Transects covered four types of reef habitat: lagoon, front, slope, and terrace. Tests of significance were based on permutation procedures. Significant differences among regions were found for the lagoon, slope, and terrace fish communities, consistent with the geomorphologic model, but it is only in the reef lagoon that they were consistent with the anthropogenic model, which may indicate an effect of coastal human activities. Significant differences among reefs within regions were observed, which could be associated with local environmental gradients. Canonical nested MANOVA was an appropriate method for testing ecological hypotheses about the functioning of complex biological systems. The use of a surveying strategy that explicitly incorporated the spatial structure represents an important contribution of this paper to coral reef fish ecology.     

Foraminiferal distribution and diversity,Madang Reef and Lagoon,Papua New Guinea

In the Madang Lagoon, on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG), distinct groups of foraminifera, defined by numerical Q-mode cluster analysis of foraminiferal species occurrences, occupy four major environments and sedimentary regimes, generally aligned parallel to the coast: (1) the harbor and bay inlets, which have large fresh-water runoff and organic detrital inputs; (2) the fringing reefs along the west side of the lagoon which are influenced by coastal factors such as overhanging mangroves or fresh-water runoff; (3) the central lagoon floor which is over 50 m deep and covered with fine sand and patch reefs rising from it; and (4) the reef barrier with adjacent live coral-covered fore-reef slope and generally sandy back-reef slope. The four clusters are also mirrored in both species richness and Fisher alpha diversity analysis. Cluster 4 includes 79 species of large, thick-shelled miliolids, robust agglutinated species, calcarinids, and amphisteginids (Fisher α ≥20) that occur on the coral-rich barrier reef and back-reef. Cluster 3 has 50 species (Fisher α=8–20) and occupies the central lagoon floor. Cluster 2 has 25 or fewer species (Fisher α=2–6) and occurs on the shallow fringing reefs. Cluster 1 is the least diverse (≤7 species, Fisher α ≤2) and occurs in the harbors and bays in the mouths of larger rivers and streams. The larger, endosymbiont-bearing foraminifera (alveolinellids, soritids, amphisteginids, nummulitids, and calcarinids) generally live on the back- and fore-reef slopes and in the lagoon, avoid the organic-rich coastal and harbor habitats, and preferentially dwell in well-lit environments to the bottom of the lagoon. The river mouths and bays are unusual for reef systems because of their high organic content, which creates low-oxygen and nutrient-rich conditions. Here the foraminiferal fauna is dominated by only a few and, for the most part, particularly thin-shelled and highly fragile species. Each faunal group contains a number of numerically abundant indicator species that do not occur in other faunal clusters. This implies low horizontal transport rates within the reef and lagoon complex and signifies that faunal mixing among the cluster groups is limited. Foraminiferal death assemblages may thus be autochthonous and retain information regarding the original community structure. They may also preserve environmental information useful in paleoecological studies and they are good ecological indicators of reef and lagoon habitats.     

Wave-current interactions on a shallow reef (Nicaragua,Central America)

Measurements of wave height and currents associated with normal trade-wind conditions have been made on a linear reef that parallels the northern and northeastern coast of Great Corn Island, eastern shelf of Nicaragua, Central America. Analyses indicate that waves breaking over the reef crest generate lagoonward flow normal to the reef. Average reef-normal flow was in the range of 10 to 20 cm/s; however, individual wave surges reached values of up to 180 cm/s. The strength of the over-the-reef flow is modulated by the tide. Lagoon currents are weak (2–5 cm/s) and change direction with the tide as the lagoon fills and drains. Long-period oscillations in water level (30 s to 20 min) and in the current were observed, and may be important in transporting fine-grained sediments out of the reef-lagoon system. Strong, short-duration surge currents ( <5 s) transport coarse sediment from the breaker zone to the seaward margin of the backreef lagoon.     

Monitoring coral reefs, seagrasses and mangroves in Costa Rica (CARICOMP)

The coral reefs, seagrasses and mangroves from the Costa Rican Caribbean coast have been monitored since 1999 using the CARICOMP protocol. Live coral cover at Meager Shoal reef bank (7 to 10 m depth) at the Parque Nacional Cahuita (National Park), increased from 13.3% in 1999, to 28.2% in 2003, but decreased during the next 5 years to around 17.5%. Algal cover increased significantly since 2003 from 36.6% to 61.3% in 2008. The density of Diadema antillarum oscillated between 2 and 7ind/m2, while Echinometra viridis decreased significantly from 20 to 0.6ind/m2. Compared to other CARICOMP sites, live coral cover, fish diversity and density, and sea urchin density were low, and algal cover was intermediate. The seagrass site, also in the Parque Nacional Cahuita, is dominated by Thalassia testudinum and showed an intermediate productivity (2.7 +/- 1.15 g/m2/d) and biomass (822.8 +/- 391.84 g/m2) compared to other CARICOMP sites. Coral reefs and seagrasses at the Parque Nacional Cahuita continue to be impacted by high sediment loads from terrestrial origin. The mangrove forest at Gandoca, within the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Gandoca-Manzanillo (National Wildlife Refuge), surrounds a lagoon and it is dominated by the red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle. Productivity and flower production peak was in July. Biomass (14 kg/m2) and density (9.0 +/- 0.58 trees/100 m2) in Gandoca were relatively low compared to other CARICOMP sites, while productivity in July in Costa Rica (4 g/m2/d) was intermediate, similar to most CARICOMP sites. This mangrove is expanding and has low human impact thus far. Management actions should be taken to protect and preserve these important coastal ecosystems.     

南沙群岛美济礁海域夏季浮游动物群落特征

浮游动物是珊瑚礁生态系统中的重要组成部分,但国内相关研究相对较少。利用2012年7月在南沙群岛美济礁海域开展的13个站次的海洋生物调查数据,对美济礁浮游动物的群落特征进行研究,表明:(1)美济礁浮游动物种类组成丰富,共出现15个类群138种(类)浮游动物;(2)优势种组成复杂、区域变化明显,单一种的优势度不高;(3)浮游动物平均密度和湿重生物量分别为117.70个/m3、69.01 mg/m3,浮游幼虫在总密度中所占比例最大;(4)浮游动物非常丰富,多样性程度较高。平均丰富度、多样性指数和均匀度分别为4.93、3.33和0.67;(5)浮游动物可划分为2个群落,分别为潟湖-礁坪区群落和向海坡群落;(6)受珊瑚礁不同生物地貌带的空间异质性和水动力条件的影响,美济礁浮游动物群落区域差异明显。潟湖区浮游动物多样性较高,生物量最低;礁坪区浮游动物数量大,但分布不均匀,且多样性水平最低;向海坡区浮游动物种类最多、多样性非常丰富,但栖息密度最低。     

Influence de la distance à l'océan sur les peuplements ichtyologiques des récifs frangeants de Nouvelle-Calédonie

Coral reef fish are bound to the pelagic environment throughout their larval stage, although they spend most of their adult life on reefs. Thus, the morphology of a lagoon and the location of a reef within the lagoon may influence the nature of its fish assemblage. Because of its asymetrical shape, the SW lagoon of New Caledonia allows us to test such a hypothesis. Several fringing reefs located 4–34 km from the open ocean were compared with one another. No influence of the reef-ocean distance could be found on the global values of diversity, density or biomass. However, presence-absence data of the 343 taxa encountered are related to this distance. Similarly, ecological structures based on diet, size and mobility of fish present strong correlations with reef—ocean distance. Thus, the major effects of an increase in reef—ocean distance concern both taxinomical and ecological structures. Suggested explicative hypotheses are linked to the fish feeding habits closely related to the environment but also to their utilisation of space. Territorial behaviour seems indeed to be important in structuring reef fish assemblage.     

Comparative spatial ecology of fished spiny lobsters <Emphasis Type="Italic">Panulirus argus</Emphasis> and an unfished congener <Emphasis Type="Italic">P. guttatus</Emphasis> in an isolated marine reserve at Glover's Reef atoll,Belize

Palinurid lobsters are being exploited with increasing intensity in coral reef ecosystems, but marine protected areas may play a key role in preventing overfishing and local extinctions. In order to define the spatial requirements for protection, we compared the spatial and temporal patterns in distribution, density, biomass, size structure, and reproductive seasonality of Caribbean spiny lobsters Panulirus argus and the congeneric spotted lobsters P. guttatus on coral patch reef, forereef, and deep reef habitat at Glover's Reef, Belize. The relative impact of fishing on P. argus was also examined in an isolated marine reserve and adjacent fished habitats, in comparison with the relatively unfished distribution of P. guttatus. Over a 5-year period, both species co-occurred in all major reef habitats, but aspects of their population dynamics differed markedly due to both habitat and fishing effects. All size classes of spiny lobsters P. argus occupied shallow patch reefs, but large adults were predominant on the deep wall reef. Panulirus guttatus also occupied patch reefs in the lagoon, but spur-and-groove forereef appeared to be the primary habitat of this species. Density and exploitable (adult) biomass of P. argus increased significantly over time in the protected patch reef habitat of the lagoon but remained stable on deep reef habitat. The biomass of spotted lobsters P. guttatus in all habitats was at least an order of magnitude less than that of exploitable P. argus. Reproductive activity by both species was evident most of the year in all habitats, but breeding P. argus females were concentrated on the deep reef. Commercial fisheries for spotted lobsters P. guttatus are currently being considered for development, but data from this and other studies suggest that such a fishery may be relatively unproductive and may lead to rapid localized extinctions. Spiny lobsters P. argus used a variety of coral reef habitats, but spotted lobsters P. guttatus were habitat specialists restricted to shallow reef habitat. The protection needs of both species are similar in one aspect: large protected areas. However, P. argus required large areas with heterogeneous habitats including coral reefs and seagrass beds, whereas P. guttatus required large areas of coral reef habitat.     

Population of Lytechinus variegatus (Echinoidea: Toxopneustidae) and structural characteristics of seagrass of Thalassia testudinum in Mochima Bay,Venezuela)

To compare the general features of Thalassia testudinum seagrass at Mochima Bay with sea urchin (Lxtechinus variegatus) abundance and distribution, three T. testudinum seagrass beds were selected, from the mouth (strong wave exposure) to the inner bay (calm waters). Each site was surveyed by using 5 line transects (20 m long) parallel to the coast and 1 m2 quadrats. In situ measurements of T. testudinum cover, shoot and leaf density were taken. Estimation of dry biomass for each seagrass fraction (leaves, rhizomes and roots) and leaf length were obtained from 25 vegetation samples extracted per site using cores (15 cm diameter). A multivariate analysis of variance (Manova) and a less significative difference test (LSD) were performed to examine differences between sites and within sites at different depths. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was done, dependent variable was sea urchin density; independent variables: vegetation values at each site. The only seagrass species found in the three sites was T. testudinum, and cover was 56-100%, leaf density 100-1000 leaf/m2, lengths 6-18.8 cm and shoot density 20-475 shoots/m2. The highest sea urchin densities were found at Isla Redonda and Ensenada Toporo (1-3.6 ind/m2), the lowest at Playa Colorada (0.6-0.8 ind/m2). Significant differences in seagrass features between sites were obtained (Manova p < 0.001), but not between depths (Manova p < 0.320). The regression coefficient between sea urchin density and seagrass parameters was statistically significant (r2 = 0.154, p < 0.007), however, total biomass was the only variable with a significant effect on sea urchin distribution (beta = 0.308, p < 0.032). The other variables did not explain satisfactorily L. variegatus abundance and distribution.     

First record of the paedomorphic fish Schindleria (Gobioidei, Schindleriidae) from the Red Sea

A male specimen of the paedomorphic fish Schindleria sp. was collected by plankton net, in February 2005, from a reef lagoon from Hurghada on the Egyptian coast of the northern Red Sea. This is the first record of the Schindleriidae in the Red Sea.     

Benthic macrofauna associated to Thalassia testudinum in Bahía de Mochima, Sucre, Venezuela

Diversity and abundance of benthic macrofauna associated to Thalassia testudinum were studied at Ensenada de Reyes, Mochima Bay, in the northeastern coast of Venezuela. Samples were taken monthly in six stations, three at 1 m in depth and three at 6 m, between December 1992 and February 1994, using a quadrat of 0.25 m2 for collecting plants and sediment; each sample was washed with seawater through a 1 mm sieve. The specimens were fixed in 6% formaldehyde. A total of 1722 organisms (6 888 ind x m2) and 127 species of macroinvertebrates were collected. Mollusks dominated with 53 species, followed by polychaetes (40), crustaceans (18) and echinoderms (8). Remaining groups were represented by 1-2 species. The highest abundance was in October (214 specimens), and the lowest in December 1993 (79 specimens). Specific richness was between 47 species in October and 18 in May 1993. Mean species diversity was 2.79-1.36 bits/ind. There were differences (ANOVA p<0.01) in number of specimens at the two depths but not throughout the 15 month study period (p>0.05). There were more specimens and species at the lowest depth and in stations with higher Thalassia testudinum biomass.     

Evaluation of indicators of nitrogen limitation in deep prairie lakes with laboratory bioassays and limnocorrals

A comparison of Kenyan reefs of different historical and observed levels of fishing exploitation showed that more exploited reef lagoons had greater sea urchin densities and sizes, fewer and smaller fish and less coral cover. In the most exploited lagoon the biomass of the burrowing sea urchin Echinometra mathaei increased five fold during the previous 15 years. An ecological study of the three most common omnivorous sea urchin species inhabiting hard substrate within these reef lagoons (E. mathaei, Diadema savignyi and D. setosum) suggests that they are ecologically separated by predation and avoid predators and competitors by occupying different size burrows or crevices within the lagoon. Predator removal through fishing activities may result in ecological release of the sea urchins and result in competitive exclusion of weaker competitors. The most exploited reef had a nearly monospecific barren of E. mathaei living outside burrows suggesting that E. mathaei may be the top competitor. Its ecological release appears to lead to a decrease in live coral cover, increased substrate bioerosion and eventually a loss of topographic complexity, species diversity, fish biomass and utilizable fisheries productivity. Data from the outer reef edge were more difficult to interpret but may indicate similar patterns. Within this area, physical stresses such as waves and currents may be a greater controlling force in regulating fishing activities and coral reef community structure.     

A new species of Monstrilla (Copepoda: Monstrilloida) from a reef lagoon off the Mexican coast of the Caribbean Sea

From plankton samples taken at a Caribbean reef lagoon off the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, an undescribed species of a monstrilloid copepod belonging to the genus Monstrilla was collected. The new species is distinguished from the other species of the genus by the structure and proportional length of the antennulae, by the particular features of the spiniform genital process, and by its size. The new species constitutes the fourth report of the genus Monstrilla in the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.     

Macrobenthic communities in a tropical lagoon (Tahiti, French Polynesia, central Pacific)

Soft bottom communities were sampled quantitatively in Tahiti lagoon (French Polynesia) at 18 stations in five zones around the island over 1 year. In addition, various environmental parameters (silt/clay fractions, organic content, chlorophyll and phaeopigment content) were sampled at the same stations over 2 years. The temporal and spatial variabilities of the macrobenthic communities are described and related to these environmental parameters. Each zone ran from the fringing reef to the inner flat of the barrier reef. The macrofauna exhibited a high richness (392 taxa) with an average mean biomass of 1.8 g AFDW m⁻² (grams ash-free dry weight per square metre). These communities exhibited temporal but not seasonal fluctuations. The biomass of the macrofauna increased from the fringing to the barrier reefs, and the density of individuals was significantly higher on the fringing reefs. Ordination techniques highlighted four groups of stations characterised by distinctive species composition, density and biomass. The first group included stations located on the inner flat of the barrier reef and in the shallow lagoon area and was characterised by highly diverse communities dominated by polychaetes. The second group primarily included stations from the industrial and hotel zones. This group had the lowest diversity and was also dominated by polychaetes, especially the capitellid Dasybranchus sp. 1. The third group was dominated by gastropods and bivalves. The final group of stations was represented only by station 51, in zone 5, which was characterised by mobile soft sediments and wave action and was dominated by the decapod Hippa cf. pacifica. Presumably, these mobile sediments facilitate the development of this benthic community, which does not occur elsewhere in the lagoon. The diversity and biomass of these benthic communities are low compared with most other areas in the South Pacific. Accepted: 10 May 2000     

Patterns of spacing in a coral reef fish in two habitats on the Great Barrier Reef

Patterns of spacing in the butterflyfish Chaetodon trifasciatus (Pisces, Chaetodontidae) were studied in two habitats on the southern Great Barrier Reef. Pairs of fish were found to defend territories at reef slope and lagoon study sites. Territories were 2·7–3·7 times larger in the lagoon than on the reef slope, where population density and food abundance were greater. No significant changes occurred in the sizes of territories in either habitat over on year, but patterns of spacing were generally more variable in the lagoon habitat. This was interpreted as a response to low population density and poor habitat quality.     

Near-shore bathymetry and reef biotopes of Henderson Island, Pitcairn Group

The coral reef which surrounds two thirds of Henderson Island, Pitcairn Group, consists of a reef flat, reef margin and fore-reef which slopes gradually into deeper water. The range of sublittoral habitats provided by this topography is limited, reflecting a low level of coral diversity. Spur and groove formations of the fore-reef are present around the northern end of the island which contrasts with the south-western corner, where, in the absence of a fringing reef platform, subaerial cliff faces are fronted by a cliff foot submarine 'trench'. In general, live coral cover on the fore-reef was estimated at between 10–30%, though at sites off the east coast it reached 80%. The associated communities, particularly of sessile filter-feeding groups, were found to be impoverished. The two factors of biogeographical isolation and of local bioerosion processes are proposed as being the main reasons for the depauperate nature of the island's reef. Brief notes are included on the lagoon and fore-reef bathymetry and habitats of Ducie and Oeno Atolls for comparative purposes.     

Evaluation of aboveground and belowground biomass recovery in physically disturbed seagrass beds

Several studies addressed aboveground biomass recovery in tropical and subtropical seagrass systems following physical disturbance. However, there are few studies documenting belowground biomass recovery despite the important functional and ecological role of roots and rhizomes for seagrass ecosystems. In this study, we compared the recovery of biomass (g dry weight m(-2)) as well as the biomass recovery rates in ten severely disturbed multi-species seagrass meadows, after the sediments were excavated and the seagrasses removed. Three sites were located in the tropics (Puerto Rico) and seven in the subtropics (Florida Keys), and all were originally dominated by Thalassia testudinum. Total aboveground biomass reached reference values at four out of ten sites studied, two in the Florida Keys and two in Puerto Rico. Total belowground biomass was lower at the disturbed locations compared to the references at all sites, apart from two sites in the Florida Keys where the compensatory effect of opportunistic species (Syringodium filiforme and Halodule wrightii) was observed. The results revealed large variation among sites in aboveground and belowground biomass for all species, with higher aboveground recovery than belowground for T. testudinum. Recovery rates for T. testudinum were highly variable across sites, but a general trend of faster aboveground than belowground recovery was observed. Equal rates between aboveground and belowground biomass were found for opportunistic species at several sites in the Florida Keys. These results indicate the importance of belowground biomass when assessing seagrass recovery and suggest that the appropriate metric to assess seagrass recovery should address belowground biomass as well as aboveground biomass in order to evaluate the full recovery of ecological services and functions performed by seagrasses. We point out regional differences in species composition and species shifts following severe disturbance events and discuss ecological implications of gap dynamics in multi-species seagrass meadows.     

MORPHOLOGY AND PHOTOSYNTHESIS OF CAULERPA (CHLOROPHYTA) IN RELATION TO GROWTH FORM

Morphological and photosynthetic performance were analyzed in species of the genus Caulerpa from an exposed coral reef and a sheltered reef lagoon. Morphological characters, such as distance between modules, number of modules, stolon branches and rhizoid clusters per centimeter of stolon, indicated a uniformity among species within a specific habitat. "Guerilla," or diffusive, growth forms were characteristic for lagoon species and "phalanx," or compact, growth forms for reef species. Differences in photosynthesis were found between Caulerpa species. Sun-tolerant species were found on the reef, and both sun- and shade-tolerant species were present in the lagoon. In the lagoon, shade-tolerant species, such as C. lanuginosa J. Agardh, were found growing in the understory, and sun-tolerant species, such as C. paspaloides (Bory) Greville, formed the canopy. C. cupressoides (West in Vahl) C. Agardh was the only species found in both environments; it showed higher photosynthetic rates and a compressed morphology when growing on the reef and lower photosynthetic rates and expanded morphology for lagoonal ramets. These results suggest that C. cupressoides possesses a broad phenotypic ability to acclimate to lagoonal and reef settings in comparison to other Caulerpa species, enhancing its ecological success in this particular system.