Studies on algal recolonisation of coral predated by the crown of thorns starfish Acanthaster planci in the sudanese red sea

This investigation was designed to investigate algal recolonisation on corals predated by Acanthaster planci. Slides and already predated coral heads were used to determine colonisation and growth rates of the algae. Results showed an initial rapid growth of the algae followed by a decrease in the case of the slides and a small increase in the case of the coral heads. The significance and possible causes of these results are discussed. These results would seem to put some doubt on the methods currently in use for estimating predation by these starfish, as the white coral heads can only be recognised for up to 10 days afterwards due to the rapid colonisation of algae.