Skeletal extension and calcification of reef-building corals in the central Indian Ocean

Skeletal extension, density and calcification rate of 12 scleractinian coral species comprising 7 morphological groups were examined on the reef crest of Vabbinfaru platform, Maldives. Growth rates of coral specimens were measured over the period of February 2010–March 2011 using alizarin staining and direct measurements. Skeletal extension rate was highly variable between coral species. Colony morphology was a major control on the skeletal extension and calcification of coral specimens. Growth rates of Acropora and Porites corals were comparable to existing data recorded for Caribbean and Indo-Pacific reef provinces. Skeletal density was less variable between species and was typically consistent among morphological groups. Findings represent the first estimates of coral growth in the central Indian Ocean region and add to the limited growth studies available that have examined a broad range of coral growth morphologies in other reef-building regions.

► First estimates of coral growth for the central Indian Ocean region.
► Examined skeletal extension, density and calcification rate in 12 coral species.
► Coral skeletal extension rate controlled by growth morphology.
► Growth rates of Acropora and Porites corals were similar to other reef provinces.
► Dataset provides confidence for central Indian Ocean studies using growth rates from other reef regions.