Marine Science Faculty Publications
Aquiarius Habitat Site at Conch Reef: Possibilities for Research on Formanifera with Algal Symbionts
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
1992
Abstract
Rubble bottom and proximity to reefal habitats makes the Florida Keys site selected by the NOAA-NURC/UNCW program for initial deployment of the AQUARIUS habitat an excellent location to collect and conduct experiments on reef-associated benthic foraminifera, particularly larger species that host algal symbionts. Symbiont-bearing species most abundant at the site are Amphistegina fibbosa and Asteriferina carinata, and Laevipeneroplis protea. Other common larger species are Cyclorbiculina compressa, Heterostefina antillarum, Laevipeneroplis bradyi, Parasorites orbitolitoides, and Sorites orbiculus. Common attached species include Homotrema rubrum and Planorbulina mediterranensis. A diverse assemblage of smaller hyalline and porcellaneous species is also present, The abundance of rubble substratum facilitates non-destructive foraminiferal sampling by SCUBA or NITROX divers equipped with small brushes and plastic bags, Sediment, foraminifera, and other loosely attached benthos can be concentrated in collecting bags and rubble returned to the reef, Interest in use of foraminiferal-algal symbioses as surrogates for coral-algal symbioses may increose as coral populations continue to decline in the Florida Keys.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Aquiarius Habitat Site at Conch Reef: Possibilities for Research on Formanifera with Algal Symbionts, in L. B. Cahoon (Ed.), Dive for Science...1992, American Association of Underwater Sciences, p. 93-98
Scholar Commons Citation
Hallock, Pamela; Cockey, Elizabeth M.; and Talge, Helen K., "Aquiarius Habitat Site at Conch Reef: Possibilities for Research on Formanifera with Algal Symbionts" (1992). Marine Science Faculty Publications. 1216.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/msc_facpub/1216
