engleski

POPULATION STRUCTURE OF RED CORAL (Corallium rubrum Linnaeus, 1758) IN THE AREA OF THE DUGI OTOK ISLAND (EASTERN ADRIATIC SEA)

The aim of this preliminary study was to quantify the abundance of red coral (Corallium rubrum Linnaeus, 1758) in the coralligenous from four sites in the area of the Dugi Otok Island at depths from 30 to 60 m. Two of the studied populations were located in a protected area (Telašćica Nature Park). Highly branched colonies were observed at all four sites during the study. Comparing the population structure of investigated sites in the area of the Dugi Otok Island, significant differences were detected between no protected sites and the sites in the Telašćica Nature Park. Basal diameter, maximum height and branch numbers were significantly higher in populations from Telašćica Nature Park. Depth was also found to have a significantly positive effect on maximum height. The largest colonies were found deeper and exceeded 30 cm height.

Anthozoa; Red coral; Corallium rubrum; Adriatic Sea; Mediterranean Sea

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