Monitoring Gorgonians and Predator Impacts
Gorgonian corals (sea fans and sea whips) are important structural components of Caribbean reef ecosystems. This study monitors gorgonian populations and documents predation impacts, particularly from Cyphoma gastropods (flamingo tongue snails) that feed on gorgonian tissue.
While Cyphoma are natural predators of gorgonians, outbreak events can significantly damage or kill colonies. Understanding the frequency and severity of these outbreaks is essential for assessing overall gorgonian health and reef ecosystem dynamics. This research provides baseline data on predator-prey relationships in Puerto Rico's reef communities.
Type: Population Monitoring, Predator-Prey Study
Focus: Gorgonian Corals and Cyphoma Predation
Species: Sea Fans, Sea Whips, Flamingo Tongue Snails