Epipsammic Diatom <I>Cocconesis</I> sp. as New Bioeroder in Scleractinian Coral

Highlight Research The endolithic bioeroders were identified. Cocconeis sp. was new for the science of euendolithic bioeroder Scleractinian coral. SEM revealed etch and bore coral skeleton. Pennate diatom present on cavities. Abstract Laminar coral, Montipora, contributes to reef ecosystem. laminar life form is usually used by juvenile biota shelter prey. In an intertidal area, such as Pantai Kondang Merak, these corals are susceptible erosion caused mechanical biological forces. Strong current or other anthropogenic activity may break colonies into pieces. Also, some grazers from fish potentially weaken structures. This study aimed find effect agents Bacillariophyceae, diatom, bioerosion process in e.g., Montipora. Ten montiporid Merak observed bio-eroding activities. Each colony divided 12 parts photographed record signs bio-erosion surface. While observing microborers, a 2x2 cm surface using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). that frustule found inside aragonite Merak. naturally grows coasts tropical oceans benthic organisms. They reported living attached many substrates’ surfaces within substrate euendolith. lived skeleton micro attaching their valve aragonite. Further work needs more observations another potential euendolith build information mechanism detail.