Biology
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Unlike most corals within the family Dendrophyllidae, Turbinaria peltata is zooxanthellate. Zooxanthellate corals live in symbiosis with unicellular algae known as zooxanthellae, which are essential to their growth and survival. Protected within the coral tissue, the algae provide their hosts with nutrients and energy, whilst also helping to remove metabolic wastes. The cost of this symbiosis is that zooxanthellate corals are constrained to live in relatively shallow waters where the algae are able to photosynthesise (4).
All Turbinaria species breed during the autumn in falling sea temperatures. Unlike most corals which are hermaphroditic (4), Turbinaria have separate male and female sexes, and probably release gametes for external fertilisation (3).
Conservation
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In addition to being listed on Appendix II of CITES, which makes it an offence to trade Turbinaria peltata without a permit, this coral falls within several Marine Protected Areas across its range. To specifically conserve Turbinaria peltata, recommendations have been made for a raft of studies into various aspects of its taxonomy, biology and ecology, including an assessment of threats and potential recovery techniques. Given the current extent to which it is exploited in the aquarium trade, fisheries management and monitoring of the effects of harvesting are a particular priority in Indonesia (1).
Description
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The reef-building coral, Turbinaria peltata, forms colonies of flat, overlapping plates and occasionally vertical columns. A single colony, comprised of numerous individual polyps, can grow up to several metres in diameter. When the large, greyish-brown polyps are extended, as they frequently are during the day, the surface of the colony has a furry, carpet-like appearance (3) (4).
Habitat
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Most commonly found at depths of 9 to 20 metres in protected environments, such as shallow rocky foreshores and sandy reef flats (1) (4).
Range
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Turbinaria peltata is distributed widely in shallow waters of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific (1) (3).
Status
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Classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List (1) and listed on Appendix II of CITES (2).
Threats
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Around one third of the world's reef building corals are threatened with extinction (5). The principal threat to corals is the rise in sea temperature associated with global climate change. This leads to coral bleaching, where the symbiotic algae are expelled, leaving the corals weak and vulnerable to an increasing variety of harmful diseases. Climate change is also expected to increase ocean acidification and result in a greater frequency of extreme weather events such as destructive storms. This is not to mention the localised threats to coral reefs from pollution, destructive fishing practices, invasive species, human development, and other activities (1) (5).
Although Turbinaria peltata is still relatively widespread and common, evidence of an overall global decline in coral habitat is an indication that this species is almost certainly declining. On top of the multitudinous threats already described, Turbinaria peltata is heavily harvested in the aquarium trade, particularly in Indonesia, where pieces are exported in the tens of thousands (1).
Turbinaria peltata
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Turbinaria peltata, commonly known as disc coral, is a species of colonial stony coral in the family Dendrophylliidae. It is native to the Indo-Pacific region. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being "vulnerable".
Description
Turbinaria peltata may be foliaceous or encrusting, and tends to form thick, flat plates, often in overlapping tiers. The colonies may be several metres in diameter. The corallites are found on a single side of each plate and are about 3 to 5 mm (0.12 to 0.20 in) in diameter, being either immersed in the skeleton or raised on tubular mounds. On the upper surfaces of larger colonies, two-sided ridges or cylindrical columns may form. The calyces are 3 to 5 mm (0.12 to 0.20 in) in diameter, circular and leaning towards the plate margin. The septa are arranged in three cycles, the third one often being reduced or absent. The septa are granulated and the columella is domed and spongy, or alternatively, has a central plate. The polyps of this species are often extended to feed during the daytime. They have thick tentacles up to 1 cm (0.4 in) long. This coral is usually some shade of grey or brown. It is a zooxanthellate coral that houses symbiont dinoflagellates in its tissues.[2][3]
Distribution and habitat
Turbinaria peltata is native to the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Its range extends from the coast of East Africa to Taiwan and American Samoa. It is common in most shallow water habitats such as rocky foreshores and shallow reef slopes, especially in areas of turbid water.[3]
Biology
Colonies of Turbinaria peltata grow by extra-tentacular budding. This means that new corallites grow between existing ones, outside the corallite walls. The new corallites tend to be small and make the surface appear more crowded.[3]
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the conservation status of Turbinaria peltata as being "vulnerable". Although it is a common species with a widespread distribution, it faces a number of threats. It is collected for the aquarium trade, rising sea water temperatures and ocean acidification cause stressful conditions and make it more susceptible to coral bleaching and coral diseases. Localised threats include fisheries, damage to reefs, tourism, pollution and sedimentation.[1]
References
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Turbinaria peltata: Brief Summary
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Turbinaria peltata, commonly known as disc coral, is a species of colonial stony coral in the family Dendrophylliidae. It is native to the Indo-Pacific region. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being "vulnerable".
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