Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems

Loya, Yossi;Puglise, Kimberely A.;Bridge, Tom C.L.

Abstract

[Extract] Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are unique tropical and subtropical ecosystems characterized as light-dependent reef communities typically found at depths ranging from 30 to 40 m and extending to over 150 m in clear waters. The dominant habitat-forming communities can be hard and soft corals, algae, and/or sponges. They are populated with the same types of organisms typically associated with shallow coral reefs but also support species unique to mesophotic depths. MCEs represent a significant component of coral reef ecosystems—potentially up to 80% of reef habitat worldwide (based on depth). Given their vast areal extent, it is hardly surprising that MCEs support a diverse range of species.

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Publication Name

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems

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ISBN/ISSN

978-3-319-92734-3

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Pages Count

1003

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Publisher

Springer

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Publisher Location

Cham, Switzerland

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DOI

10.1007/978-3-319-92735-0