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Coral weight increment in situ. A new method to determine coral growth

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Abstract

An underwater weighing apparatus is described. This consits basically of a float, the buoyancy of which is neutralized by a known amount of lead weights. The standard error of the method is ±0.1g. The entire weighing procedure takes place on the reef using SCUBA diving gear. The advantages are that the animals are not harmed by experimental treatment, and that the pure calcium-carbonate increment is registrated. Some results obtained by this method show growth of Montastrea annularis and Madracis mirabilis.

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Communicated by J. Bunt, Miami

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Bak, R.P.M. Coral weight increment in situ. A new method to determine coral growth. Mar. Biol. 20, 45–49 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00387673

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00387673

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