In situ growth rates of the scleractinian coral Oculina Varicosa occurring with zooxanthellae on 6-M reefs and without on 80-M banks

Rates of linear branch extension were determined for Oculina varicosa for one year on a nearshore, shallow waterreef (6 m) and on a shelf-edge, O. varicosa coral bank (80 m) off central eastern Florida, U.S.A. Both site andseason had a significant effect on growth with most of the variability due to the site factor. Linear branch growthwas significantly greater at 80 m (x=16.1 mm/yr) than at 6 m (x= 11.3 mm/yr) although temperature wassignificantly lower at 80 m than 6 m (x=16.2, 24.6° C, respectively). The growth of the 6-m coral, possessing zooxanthellae,showed a negative response to high sedimentation rates which reduced light levels. Growth rates atboth stations showed a positive response to water temperature and solar radiation and a negative response tocurrent velocity.