As some of you might know, coral coloration has been a fascination of mine for over two decades - I began collaborating with the guru Dr. Charlie Mazel back in the late 90's. We've learned a lot since but much remains to be determined.
If we look at coloration from a phylogenetic standpoint, there are at least 6 clades (A,B, C1,C2,C3,D with the possibility of one more that does not fit neatly in place.) There are non-fluorescent chromoproteins, florescent proteins (cyan, green, red are major types, with yellow in zoanthids and some stony corals) and those that can be switched on and off with proper illumination.
Some of these proteins are sensitive to pH. Others react to metal concentrations. Light intensity/spectrum is also critical in many cases.
I've been collecting data for years and am now embarking on a new project - categorizing these proteins based on clade and reactivity to various environmental parameters.
Coral/anemone genus, lighting info (type of PAR meter needed), shifts seen due to overdosing with Kalkwasser/CO2, etc. - Any information you can share would be greatly appreciated!
If we look at coloration from a phylogenetic standpoint, there are at least 6 clades (A,B, C1,C2,C3,D with the possibility of one more that does not fit neatly in place.) There are non-fluorescent chromoproteins, florescent proteins (cyan, green, red are major types, with yellow in zoanthids and some stony corals) and those that can be switched on and off with proper illumination.
Some of these proteins are sensitive to pH. Others react to metal concentrations. Light intensity/spectrum is also critical in many cases.
I've been collecting data for years and am now embarking on a new project - categorizing these proteins based on clade and reactivity to various environmental parameters.
Coral/anemone genus, lighting info (type of PAR meter needed), shifts seen due to overdosing with Kalkwasser/CO2, etc. - Any information you can share would be greatly appreciated!