Feeding behaviors of three tropical scleractinian corals in captivity

Abstract

This study examined the capture rates and prey digestion of three corals species in two genera (Acropora and Pocillopora) found dominantly in Thailand and the Federated States of Micronesia using Artemia salina nauplii as a food source. In addition, feeding during day and night times of corals was investigated. Results showed that all three coral species, namely, Acropora millepora, Acropora nobilis, and Pocillopora damicornis captured and consumed A. salina nauplii under both light and dark conditions. The capture rates of the three species ranged between 0.44 and 2.39 individuals/polyp/12 h. The results also showed complete digestions of A. salina nauplii by A. millepora and A. nobilis after 2 h, whereas P. damicornis took 2.5 h to complete the prey digestion. Even though feeding corals with Artemia is not a novel implication since this is widely used, the results of optimum daily feeding frequency of corals by Artemia may be applied for optimum corals growth and survival in captivity or aquarium.