Multispecies coral transplantation: Examining survival rates and growth patterns

Abstract

Background: Coral transplantation is a widely respected technique used to cultivate coral reefs, serving the dual aims of repair and commercial activities. Acropora sp. and Montipora sp are well-known coral groups that are frequently transplanted for ornamental purposes. Nevertheless, prevailing transplantation methods predominantly prioritise the production of a single species, disregarding the inherent cohabitation of several coral species in their natural environments. This study aimed to investigate the survival and growth rates of Acropora sp. and Montipora sp. cultivated in a multispecies habitat.

Methods: The research employed a complete randomized design with six treatments. The first three treatments focused on monospecies control (A. millepora, A. nana, and M. digitata), while the remaining three involved multispecies combinations (A. millepora with A. nana, A. millepora with M. digitata, and A. nana with M. digitata). Substrates, made of a cement and sand mixture, were created with dimensions of 10 x 10 cm and a height of 2 cm. Coral fragments obtained from ornamental coral farmers on Pramuka Island were used for transplantation.

Results: After six months, 18 out of 24 fragments exhibited robust growth, with A. millepora showing the highest survival rate (100%). The combination of A. millepora and M. digitata displayed the most significant growth (0.80 cm/month for height and 0.77 cm/month for length) in multispecies cultivation.

Conclusion: A. millepora proved adaptable, displaying high survival rates and optimal growth conditions when combined with M. digitata. Successful multispecies cultivation, particularly with A. millepora and M. digitata, enhanced coral reef restoration and commercial coral farming, contributing to ecological health and economic significance.