Growth rates of live Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata from the Mediterranean Sea maintained in aquaria

Published source details Orejas C., Gori A. & Gili J.M. (2008) Growth rates of live Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata from the Mediterranean Sea maintained in aquaria. Coral Reefs, 27, 255-255.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Cultivate corals in an ex-situ nursery Action Link

Cultivate corals in an ex-situ nursery

A study in 2006–2007 at an ex-situ nursery in Spain (Orejas et al. 2008) reported that fragments of cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata cultivated in aquaria grew and developed new polyps and growth rate and polyp development were similar, and sometimes higher, than wild-growing coral. Vertical linear extension of ex-situ cultivated Lophelia pertusa was 15–17 mm/year and Madrepora oculata was 3–18 mm/year. Polyps developed on Lophelia pertusa (4/year) and on Madrepora oculata (5/year). Growth rate and polyp development is reported as similar and sometimes higher than in-situ measurement rates (data from other studies). In August 2006, fragments of cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata (number and size not reported) were collected from approximately 200 m deep in the Cap de Creus Canyon, NW Mediterranean. Fragments were maintained in dark aquaria and fed daily with Artemia sp. and Mysidacea. Water temperature was 11.5–12.5^°C. Growth rate and number of polyps were measured in December 2006, March, May and November 2007.

(Summarised by: Ann Thornton)