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Growth of Five Species of Gorgonians (Sub-Class Octocorallia) in the Sedimented Waters of Singapore
N. K. C. Goh,
L. M. Chou,
N. K. C. Goh
Department of Zoology. National University of Singapore. Kent Ridge. Singapore 0511. Republic of Singapore.
Search for more papers by this authorL. M. Chou
Department of Zoology. National University of Singapore. Kent Ridge. Singapore 0511. Republic of Singapore.
Search for more papers by this authorN. K. C. Goh,
L. M. Chou,
N. K. C. Goh
Department of Zoology. National University of Singapore. Kent Ridge. Singapore 0511. Republic of Singapore.
Search for more papers by this authorL. M. Chou
Department of Zoology. National University of Singapore. Kent Ridge. Singapore 0511. Republic of Singapore.
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Abstract. Annual growth rates of gorgonians in the Indo-Pacific region are reported ror the first tinie. A method of measuring gorgonian growth using periodic photographic monitoring that is sensitive to horizontal growth and changes in growth foci but that does not require tedious underwater measurements is applied. Growth parameters of five species of gorgonians from three Families (Plexauridae. Melithaeidae. and Subergorgiidae) were monitored over a period of 18 months using this method. Growth rates ranged from 2.30 cm a-1 to 7.88 cm. a -1 in the highly sedimented waters of Singapore. The maximum number of branches added per year ranged from 1.7 to 14.5.
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