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Scleractinian diversity in the Dardanelles and Marmara Sea (Turkey): morphology, ecology and distributional patterns


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Figure 1

Map of the study area
Map of the study area

Figure 2

GPS-supported map of the study stations in the Dardanelles and Marmara Sea
GPS-supported map of the study stations in the Dardanelles and Marmara Sea

Figure 3

Wide-angle photo of Polycyathus muellerae showing the measured diameters of the coral colony in situ (D1: Width 1; D2: Width 2; H: Height of the colony from the substrate level)
Wide-angle photo of Polycyathus muellerae showing the measured diameters of the coral colony in situ (D1: Width 1; D2: Width 2; H: Height of the colony from the substrate level)

Figure 4

Skeleton image of Madracis pharensis under a microscope. Calix, Septa, Columella, Coralites and Coenosteum structure around the corallites. (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, Co: coenosteum)
Skeleton image of Madracis pharensis under a microscope. Calix, Septa, Columella, Coralites and Coenosteum structure around the corallites. (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, Co: coenosteum)

Figure 5

Skeleton images of Cladocora caespitosa under a microscope. Calix, Septa, Columella (left), adjacent corallites, coenosteum part behind the corallites (middle) and theca structure (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, Co: coenosteum, the: theca)
Skeleton images of Cladocora caespitosa under a microscope. Calix, Septa, Columella (left), adjacent corallites, coenosteum part behind the corallites (middle) and theca structure (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, Co: coenosteum, the: theca)

Figure 6

Skeleton image of Caryophyllia smithii under a microscope. Calix, Columella (left), septa (middle) and theca (right) structure of corallite. (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca)
Skeleton image of Caryophyllia smithii under a microscope. Calix, Columella (left), septa (middle) and theca (right) structure of corallite. (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca)

Figure 7

Skeleton image of Caryophyllia inornata. Calix, columella, septa, palus (left) and theca structure of corallite (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca, pa: palus)
Skeleton image of Caryophyllia inornata. Calix, columella, septa, palus (left) and theca structure of corallite (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca, pa: palus)

Figure 8

Skeleton image of Paracyathus pulchellus. Calix (left), columella, septa, palus (middle) and theca structure of corallite (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca, pa: palus)
Skeleton image of Paracyathus pulchellus. Calix (left), columella, septa, palus (middle) and theca structure of corallite (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca, pa: palus)

Figure 9

Skeleton image of Polycyathus muellerae. Calix, septa, palus (left), columella, theca (middle two) and colony structure of corallites (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca, pa: palus)
Skeleton image of Polycyathus muellerae. Calix, septa, palus (left), columella, theca (middle two) and colony structure of corallites (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca, pa: palus)

Figure 10

Skeleton image of Phyllangia mouchezii. Calix (left), septa, columella (two middle) and theca structure of corallite (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca)
Skeleton image of Phyllangia mouchezii. Calix (left), septa, columella (two middle) and theca structure of corallite (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca)

Figure 11

Skeleton image of Balanophyllia europaea. Calix, septa (left), columella (two middle) and theca structure of corallite (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca)
Skeleton image of Balanophyllia europaea. Calix, septa (left), columella (two middle) and theca structure of corallite (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca)

Figure 12

Skeleton image of Leptopsammia pruvoti. Calix, columella, septa (left), columella (middle left), juvenile corallite (middle right) and theca structure of corallite (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca)
Skeleton image of Leptopsammia pruvoti. Calix, columella, septa (left), columella (middle left), juvenile corallite (middle right) and theca structure of corallite (right). (Ca: calix, Se: septa, Col: columella, Cor: corallites, the: theca)

Figure 13

Dominance values of solitary and colonial corals
Dominance values of solitary and colonial corals

Figure 14

Frequency of coral species evaluated over stations
Frequency of coral species evaluated over stations

Figure 15

Depth-related distribution of the total mean number of individuals of solitary corals and the total number of colonies in colonial corals
Depth-related distribution of the total mean number of individuals of solitary corals and the total number of colonies in colonial corals

Figure 16

Similarity between the scleractinian species in relation to the sampling stations (Bray-Curtis index)
Similarity between the scleractinian species in relation to the sampling stations (Bray-Curtis index)

Figure 17

A: Correspondence analysis of solitary coral species with replicated quadrats in relation to stations/depth. Only stations with more than two species were assessed, while stations with only one species were excluded from the assessment. B: Correspondence analysis of colonial coral species in relation to stations/depth. (a,b,c,d,e,f: Depth ranges; the numbers with letters as “1,2,3,4”: replicate numbers)
A: Correspondence analysis of solitary coral species with replicated quadrats in relation to stations/depth. Only stations with more than two species were assessed, while stations with only one species were excluded from the assessment. B: Correspondence analysis of colonial coral species in relation to stations/depth. (a,b,c,d,e,f: Depth ranges; the numbers with letters as “1,2,3,4”: replicate numbers)

Figure 18

A. Cladocora caespitosa colony on the sandy substrate around the Posidonia beds at 7 m depth (Scale bar: 5 cm); B. Cladocora caespitosa colony on the rocky substrate at 19 m depth; C. Polycyathus muellerae colonies at 34 m depth; D. Phyllangia mouchezii colony on the rocky overhang at 19 m depth; E. Madracis pharensis colonies strongly associated with the coralligenous outcrops on the rock ceiling at 25 m depth; F. Balanophyllia europaea corallites on a stony substrate between 2 and 23 m depth; G. Caryophyllia inornata corallites associated with the calcareous sponges on the rock ceiling at 21 m depth; H. Leptopsammia pruvoti corallites on the rocky overhang at 36 m depth; I. Caryophyllia smithii corallites on the rocky substrate between 6 and 29 m depth; J. Paracyathus pulchellus corallites on the rocky substrate at 24 m depth. (Scale bar for all figures except figure A: 1 cm)
A. Cladocora caespitosa colony on the sandy substrate around the Posidonia beds at 7 m depth (Scale bar: 5 cm); B. Cladocora caespitosa colony on the rocky substrate at 19 m depth; C. Polycyathus muellerae colonies at 34 m depth; D. Phyllangia mouchezii colony on the rocky overhang at 19 m depth; E. Madracis pharensis colonies strongly associated with the coralligenous outcrops on the rock ceiling at 25 m depth; F. Balanophyllia europaea corallites on a stony substrate between 2 and 23 m depth; G. Caryophyllia inornata corallites associated with the calcareous sponges on the rock ceiling at 21 m depth; H. Leptopsammia pruvoti corallites on the rocky overhang at 36 m depth; I. Caryophyllia smithii corallites on the rocky substrate between 6 and 29 m depth; J. Paracyathus pulchellus corallites on the rocky substrate at 24 m depth. (Scale bar for all figures except figure A: 1 cm)

Rock-based percent cover of P. muellerae at Station 45, C. caespitosa at Station 1, P. mouchezii at Station 2 and M. pharensis at Stations 1 and 45

Colony’s number
Cover Area (m2)
Surface Area of Rock (m2)
Percent Cover on Rock (%)
P. muellerae
p1 0.009 0.33 2.72
p2 0.036 0.42 8.57
p3 0.09 0.33 27.27
p4 0.03 0.19 15.7
p5 0.039 0.18 21.6
p6 0.032 1.01 3.16
p7 0.03 0.3 10
p8 0.15 0.68 22.05
p9 0.036 0.33 10.9
p10 4.8 7.6 63.15
p11 2.2 2.76 79.71
p12 1.1 3 36.6
p13 15.1 20 75.5
p14 0.08 1.15 6.95
p15 0.12 0.15 80
p16 0.02 0.18 11.1
p17 0.03 1.26 2.38
p18 0.34 1.25 27.2
p19 0.14 1.54 9.09
p20 0.17 0.25 68
p21 0.1 0.5 20
p22 0.14 0.25 56
p23 0.09 0.3 30
p24 0.05 1.33 3.75
p25 0.14 0.87 16.09
p26 0.2 1.2 16.6
p27 0.13 1.4 9.28
p28 0.28 1.11 25.22
p29 0.12 2.52 4.76
p30 0.08 0.6 13.3
p31 0.29 2.43 11.93
p32 0.3 1.5 20
p33 0.08 0.9 8.8
p34 0.3 1.14 26.31
p35 0.6 3.36 17.85
p36 0.35 0.48 72.91
p37 0.09 0.8 11.25
C. caespitosa
c1 0.057 0.095 60
c2 0.027 0.09 30
c3 0.048 0.096 50
c4 0.056 0.08 70
c5 0.026 0.34 7.64
c6 0.2 0.2 100
c7 0.07 0.093 75.26
c8 0.023 0.04 57.5
c9 0.029 0.029 100
c10 0.018 0.02 90
c11 0.075 0.075 100
c12 0.022 0.028 78.57
c13 0.033 0.88 3.75
c14 0.008 0.06 13.3
c15 0.036 0.072 50
c16 0.18 0.39 46.15
c17 0.21 0.21 100
c18 0.022 0.16 13.75
P. mouchezii
pm1 0.2 0.6 33.3
M. pharensis
m1 0.23 2.08 11.05
m2 0.34 0.64 53.12
m3 0.19 1.12 16.96
m4 0.27 1.88 14.36

Colonial corals, morphological diameters and coral cover values assessed per station

TNC Covering Area
Total Biomass
Length
Width
Height
(cm2)
(g)
(cm)
Mean±SE (Range)
Madracis pharensis
Station 1 674.5±329.5 (345-1004) 2850±550 (2300-3400) 285.3±87.15 (198-372) 77±1 (76-78) 37.5±7.5 (30-45) 6±1 (5-7)
Station 45 761±41 (720-802) 2340±400 (1900-2700) 70.09±12.31 (57-82) 64±4 (60-68) 36±4 (32-40) 3±1 (2-4)
Cladocora caespitosa
Station 1 112±17 (16-300) 630±150 (80-2100) 4.979±0.384 (2.81-9.9) 29.83±3.113 (17-61) 19.28±2.15 (10-39) 9.17±1.17 (2-19)
Station 2 214±84 (64-355) 520±100 (350-710) 2.873±0.576 (2.1-4) 26.67±2.96 (21-31) 19.23±1.86 (17-23) 8.33±2.33 (4-12)
Station 3 251±19 (67-1000) 2400±140 (570-6900) 5.412±0.185 (2.64-10.14) 56.77±1.59 (30-96) 41.31±1.38 (19-72) 8.4±0.35 (3-20)
Station 4* 112 (112) 300 (300) 3.43 (3.43) 26 (26) 14 (14) 5 (5)
Station 20 1518±1408 (110-2925) 1240±1160 (80-2400) 5.48±1.22 (4.26-6.69) 31±32.5 (23-54) 28±25.5 (10-46) 14±14.1 (4-24)
Station 24* 78 (78) 800 (800) 5.54 (5.54) 30 (30) 27 (27) 8 (8)
Station 41* 23 (23) 100 (100) 3.44 (3.44) 15 (15) 7 (7) 3 (3)
Polycyathus muellerae
Station 1 73±12 (19-270) 610±170 (100-4600) 4.082±0.35 (1.9-8.6) 20.69±2.18 (9-60) 28.54±2.65 (13-78) 5.11±0.5 (2-11)
Station 2 71±12 (32-136) 240±50 (140-600) 4.537±0.422 (1.8-5.75) 10.44±1.21 (7-18) 22.78±2.17 (18-34) 5.67±1.08 (2-11)
Station 21* 40 (40) 100 (100) 3.1 (3.1) 8 (8) 21 (21) 3 (3)
Station 45 228±52 (30-1600) 7540±4220 (90-151000) 3.585±0.152 (1.94-5.6) 47.7±9.74 (6-345) 66.4±13.5 (15-440) 6.56±0.61 (2-17)
Station 51* 90 (90) 700 (700) 4.66 (4.66) 30 (30) 26 (26) 6 (6)
Station 52* 40 (40) 100 (100) 3.51 (3.51) 10 (10) 15 (15) 2 (2)
Station 56* 140 (140) 1200 (1200) 4.4 (4.4) 30 (30) 40 (40) 4 (4)
Station 103 37±7 (23-55) 20±3 (10-30) 3.105±0.434 (2.17-4.21) 4.75±0.47 (4-6) 5.5±0.95 (4-8) 3.5±0.28 (3-4)
Station 104* 46 (46) 200 (200) 4.88 (4.88) 10 (10) 20 (20) 4 (4)
Station 108 212±176 (36-388) 950±850 (100-180) 4.045±0.205 (3.84-4.25) 19±5 (14-24) 43.5±31.5 (12-75) 7.5±4.5 (3-12)
Station 109* 41 (41) 400 (400) 2.23 (2.23) 22 (22) 21 (21) 4 (4)
Station 110* 86 (86) 900 (900) 3.24 (3.24) 22 (22) 41 (41) 4 (4)
Station 117 108±21 (10-423) 510±100 (30-1700) 4.66±0.2193.12-6.22 16.29±2.335-54 19.95±1.997-40 4.04±0.512-12
Station 140* 12 (12) 20 (20) 1.68 (1.68) 4 (4) 7 (7) 4 (4)
Phyllangia mouchezii
Station 2* 210 (210) 2000 (2000) 17 (17) 41 (0-41) 55 (0-55) 21 (0-21)

Solitary corals, morphological diameters calculated per station

TNI Total Biomass
Length
Height
(g)
(cm)
Mean±SE (Range)
Caryophyllia smithii
Station 6* 18 (18) 28.53 (28.53) 0.65±0.15 (0.5-0.8) 1.2±0.2 (1-1.4)
Station 27* 18 (18) 10.42 (10.42) 0.34±0.05 (0.15-0.5) 0.96±0.06 (0.6-1.2)
Station 103* 18 (18) 15.63 (15.63) 0.59±0.03 (0.4-0.9) 0.76±0.05 (0.5-1.2)
Station 140 96±128 (6-187) 18.43±11.78 (10.1-26.76) 1.87±0.11 (1.69-2.1) 1.67±0.19 (1.4-1.8)
Station 141* 31 (31) 24.66 (24.66) 1.74±0.09 (1.59-1.82) 1.56±0.06 (1.5-1.7)
Station 142* 131 (131) 8.24 (8.24) 1.92±0.11 (1.69-2.1) 1.64±0.15 (1.5-1.8)
Caryophyllia inornata
Station 1* 6 (6) 2.49±0.67 (2.01-2.97) 0.65±0.15 (0.5-0.8) 1.2±0.2 (1-1.4)
Station 45 16±9 (6-25) 2.61±0.57 (1.98-3.09) 0.34±0.05 (0.15-0.5) 0.96±0.06 (0.6-1.2)
Station 103* 137 (137) 2.91 (2.91-2.91) 0.59±0.03 (0.4-0.9) 0.76±0.05 (0.5-1.2)
Station 117* 6 (6) 1.88 (1.88-1.88) 0.6 (0.6-0.6) 0.9 (0.9-0.9)
Paracyathus pulchellus
Station 1* 18 (8) 8.8 (8.8) 0.6±0.06 (0.6-0.8) 1.1±0.5 (1-1.2)
Station 2* 12 (12) 8.21 (8-21) 0.6±0.1 (0.5-0.7) 1.05±0.05 (1.-1.1)
Station 45 8±5 (6-18) 9.15±0.88 (7.89-10.11) 0.87±0.14 (0.5-1.2) 1.4±0.15 (1-1.7)
Station 51* 6 (6) 9.13±1.52 (8.05-10.2) 1.05±0.05 (1-1.1) 1.45±0.05 (1.4-1.5)
Station 52* 6 (6) 9 (6) 1.8 (1.8) 1.5 (1.5)
Station 56* 12 (12) 8.77 (6) 0.9±0.3 (0.6-1.2) 1.35±0.35 (1-1.7)
Station 103* 18 (18) 6 (6) 0.8±0.1 (0.7-1) 1.2±0.15 (1-1.5)
Station 104* 6 (6) 7.55 (7.55) 0.5 (0.5) 1 (1)
Station 108* 6 (6) 6.54 (6.54) 0.7 (0.7) 1.2 (1.2)
Station 117* 6 (6) 11.3 (11.3) 0.7 (0.7) 1.1 (1.1)
Balanophyllia europaea
Station 1* 12 (12) 29.9 (29.9-29.9) 1.65±0.25 (1.4-1.9) 2.65±0.15 (2.5-2.8)
Station 2* 6 (6) 24 (24-24) 1.4 (1.4-1.4) 2.5 (2.5-2.5)
Station 3* 6 (6) 21.98 (21.98-21.98) 0.6 (0.6-0.6) 1.6 (1.6-1.6)
Station 9* 6 (6) 25 (25-25) 1 (1-1) 2.1 (2.1-2.1)
Station 10* 6 (6) 21.28 (21.28-21.28) 1.9 (1.9-1.9) 3 (3)
Station 11* 12 (12) 13.9 (13.9-13.9) 0.75±0.05 (0.7-0.8) 1.75±0.15 (1.6-1.9)
Station 18* 12 (12) 10.66 (10.66-10.66) 0.75±0.05 (0.7-0.8) 1.35±0.15 (1.2-1.5)
Station 20* 6 (6) 33.95 (33.95) 0.7 (0.7) 1.6 (1.6)
Station 23* 6 (6) 28.3 (28.3) 1.8 (1.8) 2.3 (2.3)
Station 24* 12 (12) 20 (20) 1.4±0.3 (1.1-1.7) 2.5±0.1 (2.4-2.6)
Station 26* 6 (6) 24.41 (24.41) 1.1 (1.1) 1.9 (1.9)
Station 27 122±116 (6-237) 32.97±4.53 (28.44-37.5) 1.32±0.07 (0.5-2.4) 2.54±0.1 (1.2-3.9)
Station 30* 12 (12) 12.65 (12.65) 0.7±0.1 (0.6-0.8) 1.3±0.1 (1.2-1.4)
Station 35* 12 (12) 14.2 (14.2) 1.15±0.05 (1.1-1.2) 2.2±0.3 (1.9-2.5)
Station 38* 18 (18) 12.47 (12.47) 1.4±0.11 (1.2-1.6) 2.43±0.32 (1.8-2.9)
Station 39* 18 (18) 11.98 (11.98) 1.73±0.12 (1.5-1.9) 2.5±0.2 (2.2-2.9)
Station 40* 18 (18) 10.1 (10.1) 1.36±0.03 (1.3-1.4) 2.36±0.06 (2.3-2.5)
Station 41* 6 (6) 15.45 (15.45) 1.1 (1.1) 1.8 (1.8)
Station 42* 6 (6) 15 (15) 1.3 (1.3) 1.9 (1.9)
Station 43* 6 (6) 14.64 (14.64) 0.8 (0.8) 1.9 (1.9)
Station 44* 6 (6) 12.08 (12.08) 1.3 (1.3) 2.2 (1.9)
Station 103* 6 (6) 42 (42) 1.6 (1.6) 2.5 (2.5)
Station 117* 6 (6) 16.76 (16.76) 2.3 (2.3) 2.2 (2.2)
Station 119* 6 (6) 11.4 (11.4) 1.1 (1.1) 2 (2)
Leptopsammia pruvoti
Station 1 87±6 (81-93) 7.79±0.63 (7.16-8.42) 1.57±0.04 (1.2-1.5) 1.09±0.02 (0.8-1.4)
Station 2 49±12 (37-62) 4.21±0.1 (4.11-4.32) 1.59±0.06 (1.2-1.5) 1.08±0.03 (0.8-1.4)
Station 21* 6 (6) 4.19 (4.19-4.19) 1.5 (1.5) 1.1 (1.1)
Station 45 124±56 (68-181) 11.67±3.03 (6.64-14.7) 1.41±0.02 (1.1-1.4) 2.41±0.12 (1.5-3.9)
Station 51* 6 (6) 11.18 (11.18) 1.5 (1.5) 1.1 (1.1)
Station 52* 6 (6) 12.43 (12.43) 1.3 (1.3) 1.5 (1.5)
Station 56* 6 (6) 9.86 (9.86) 1.5 (1.5) 3 (3-3)
Station 104* 6 (6) 8.89 (8.89) 1.4 (1.5) 1.4 (1.4)
Station 108* 6 (6) 18.85 (18.85) 1.4 (1.4) 3.1 (3.1)
Station 109* 6 (6) 12.71 (12.71) 1.5 (1.5) 1.1 (1.1)
Station 110* 6 (6) 10.65 (10.65) 1.4 (1.4) 1.8 (1.8)
Station 117* 50 (50) 12.5 (12.5) 1.22±0.1 (1-1.5) 1.66±0.13 (1.3-2)
Station 140* 850 (850) 4.22 (4.22) 0.48±0.02 (0.4-0.6) 0.67±0.03 (0.5-0.9)

List of scleractinian corals from the Turkish coasts with the updated distributional data

Species
BS
M
AE
MS
D
Habitat
DR
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Anthozoa
Family: Pocilloporidae
Madracis pharensis

Heller, 1868;

- FL1 FL2 - FL3-PR H VII
Family: Faviidae
Cladocora caespitosa

Linnaeus, 1767;

- FL4 FL5-PR - FL6-PR H II
Family: Caryophylliidae
Caryophyllia smithii

Stokes & Broderip, 1828;

- FL7 FL7* FL8-PR FL10-PR H IV
Caryophyllia cyathus

Ellis and Solander, 1786;

- - - FL23 - H 70-300 m**
Coenocyathus anthophyllites

Milne-Edwards and Haime, 1848;

- - - FL10 - H 65-250 m**
Hoplangia durotrix

Gosse, 1860;

- - FL22 - - H 0-150 m**
Caryophyllia inornata

Duncan, 1878;

- FL11 FL12 - PR H IX
Paracyathus pulchellus

Philippi, 1842;

- - - FL13 PR H VIII
Polycyathus muellerae

Abel, 1959;

- FL14 FL15 PR PR H,S V
Phyllangia mouchezii

Lacaze-Duthiers, 1897;

- FL16 FL17 - PR H III
Desmophyllum dianthus

Esper, 1794;

- - - FL24 - H 8-2460 m**
Family: Dendrophylliidae
Alanophyllia europaea

Risso, 1826;

- FL18 FL19 - FL19-PR H,R I
B. Leptopsammia pruvoti

Lacaze-Duthiers, 1897;

- FL21 FL22* - PR H VI
Dendrophyllia ramea

Linnaeus, 1758;

- - - FL10 - H 40-150 m**
Oculina patogonica

De Angelis, 1908;

- FL25 - - - H 0-10 m**

Coral cover determined in terms of the rocky substrate range at the stations with the highest species abundance

Station/tars (m2)
species/cover area (m2)
M. pharensis C. caespitosa P. muellerae P. mouchezii
Sta 1 – 800 0.63 1.14 1.58 -
Sta 2 – 410 - 0.15 0.22 0.2
Sta 3 – 350 - 18.11 - -
Sta 20 – 200 - 0.24 - -
Sta 45 – 1120 0.48 - 27.89 -
Sta 108 – 208 - - 0.19 -
Sta 117 – 110 - - 1.07 -
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