The fatty acid composition of host and zooxanthellae in Scleractinian corals

The fatty acid compositions (FAC) of reef--building corals are a consequence of the metabolic interworkings of coral animal and their symbiotic zooxanthellae, and of the oceanic environment. The FAC of coral hosts and their symbionts in four coral species (Siderastrea siderea, Montastrea cavernosa, Montastraea faveolata, and Porites astreoides ), from the Florida Reef Track varied substantially. The effect of changing environment on the FAC of host and symbiont of P. astreoides was also explored. Coral acclimation to new microenvironments isn't easily accomplished, and suggests that the FAC is much more dynamic than originally believed, and the relationship between the coral host and its zooxanthellae is delicate. The ability of coral hosts to modulate their FAC, as well as the importance of their established relationship with the zooxanthellae may provide insight in species success in different environmental conditions, and their ability to acclimate to changing environments.