Onset of zooplanktivory and optimal water flow rates for prey capture in newly settled polyps of ten Caribbean coral species

Abstract Zooplanktivory is an important source of nutrients in corals, providing up to 35% daily metabolic energy requirements some species. However, little known about coral zooplanktivory shortly after larval settlement and metamorphosis. In most species it unclear if, when under which conditions newly settled polyps are able capture ingest prey. This remains a critical knowledge gap, as could allow settlers replenish reserves metamorphosis, possibly improving settler condition during one their vulnerable life stages. Here, we documented the onset prey ( Artemia salina nauplii) ten Caribbean assessed optimal water flow rates (WFR) for five these All initiated within six days following with exception Acropora palmata was never observed capturing nauplii our 20-day study. Optimal WFR varied among species, Favia fragum displaying maximum zero Diploria labyrinthiformis effectively 5–20 cm s ?1 . Under each species’ optimum WFR, abilities considerably, F. nauplius every two minutes compared nine Colpophyllia natans Using findings, make species-specific recommendations optimize husbandry larval-based restoration practices