Current status of the distribution of the coral-encrusting cyanobacteriosponge Terpios hoshinota in southern Japan

A significant increase in the distribution of the coral-encrusting cyanobacteriosponge Terpios hoshinota has been observed across southern Japan's Ryukyu Archipelago, with at least 36% of surveyed sites now hosting this species compared to just 6% in previous studies from 1984–1985. This suggests that T. hoshinota is now a permanent feature in the region's coral reef ecosystems, potentially due to general reef degradation over the past few decades. The study, conducted between 2009 and 2011, surveyed 64 sites from Amami-Oshima Island to the Yaeyama Islands, with findings indicating that while large outbreaks remain rare, the species is more widespread than previously thought. Most occurrences were found in shallow waters (<5 m), with no strong seasonal influence on abundance. The research also highlights the need for long-term monitoring to assess the ecological threat posed by T. hoshinota to coral reefs.

REIMER, J. D., MIZUYAMA, M., NAKANO, M., FUJII, T., & HIROSE, E. (2011). Current status of the distribution of the coral-encrusting cyanobacteriosponge Terpios hoshinota in southern Japan. Galaxea, Journal of Coral Reef Studies, 13(1), 35–44. https://doi.org/10.3755/galaxea.13.35