Survival, growth, and recruitment of octocoral species (Coelenterata: Octocorallia) in Coiba National Park, Pacific Panama

A significant population decline of 25.2% was observed among octocoral species in Coiba National Park over one year, highlighting the vulnerability of these organisms in tropical eastern Pacific reefs. The study, the first to examine the population dynamics of 10 shallow-water octocoral species across six genera, revealed distinct survival and recruitment strategies: Leptogorgia alba exhibited r-selected traits with high abundance and mortality, while Muricea austera showed K-selected characteristics with low mortality and recruitment rates. Researchers monitored 1445 colonies over 17 months at 20 m depth in four coral communities, calculating size distribution, survivorship, growth, and recruitment rates. Species were clustered into two groups based on distribution, density, mortality, and recruitment patterns, offering insights into their ecological roles and resilience.

Gomez, C. G., Guzman, H. M., Gonzalez, A., & Breedy, O. (2014). Survival, growth, and recruitment of octocoral species (Coelenterata: Octocorallia) in Coiba National Park, Pacific Panama. Bulletin of Marine Science, 90(2), 623–650. https://doi.org/10.5343/bms.2012.1092