Physiological and morphological plasticity in Stylophora pistillata larvae from Eilat, Israel, to shallow and mesophotic light conditions

•Stylophora pistillata coral larvae from Eilat have depth-dependent phenotypes•Larval survival and settlement did not depend on origin or experiment light levels•Juvenile corals grew fastest in their native parental habitat•Algal symbiont photoacclimation to novel conditions occurred within 35 days Mesophotic reefs been proposed as climate change refugia but are synonymous ecosystems with shallow remain exposed anthropogenic impacts. Planulae the reef-building Stylophora pistillata, Gulf of Aqaba, 5- 45-m depth were tested ex situ for capacity settle, grow, acclimate reciprocal conditions. Skeletons scanned by phase contrast-enhanced micro-CT study morphology. Deep planulae had reduced volume, smaller diameter settlement, greater algal density. Light significant impact mortality rates. Photosynthetic acclimation symbionts was evident 21–35 after growth rate polyp development slower individuals translocated away compared controls. 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Despite this, protein concentration 1D). number cells (7140 1846 cells/larva 5) (1750 318 5; 8.27, 8, 0.021) 1E). respiration normalized individual specific per 1F). A mixed model ID (“tank effect”) included random factor selected best (lowest AIC value, anova {stats}, {stats}). Neither nor influenced collection date. Using all i.e., include well, treatments (Kaplan Meier, log rank, > 0.05) S2). Differences plate accounted 10.4% (Cox Mixed Effects fit maximum likelihood; ∼ treatment + (1 | well). Random variance 0.1039). Kaplan-Meier analysis performed subset (n 4–11 inclusive) returned non-significant values comparing treatments. It should available trials (N 39, split two treatments: DD DS). numbers too small give robust desirable repeat this portion replication. Alpha steepness slope electron transport (ETR) limiting conditions; indicate intensities 2A). At earliest point (14 collection), alpha other, (deep-deep) DS (deep-shallow) median SS (shallow-shallow) SD (shallow-deep) spat. On day 21, second point, there no statistical (Kruskal–Wallis test, 0.05). By 35, pattern emerged, whereby spat H 30.03, 0.0001). yield, FV/FM 2B), shows alpha, onwards, (DD DS; Kruskal–Wallis 34.53, grouping sustained strengthened (lower variability) 46. consistently highest (days 14–46 inclusive: 0.68 0.0062). became acclimated surrounding short scales (5 weeks). Treatment saturating irradiance (EK) less mean value sampling 16.22, 14.72, 0.01) 35. ETRMAX variable showing treatment-induced except vs. 21 originating ca. 28% (lm, y intercept 1.76 mm SD) (y 1.26 DD, 1.29 DS) 3). (reduced linear slope) remained similar Correspondingly, 55 collection, termination (recently planulae) smallest average (2.27 1.56 mm) largest (2.73 1.02 mm, one-way Spat asexually produce single secondary (day 35) first 20). Only any six complete polyps timeframe 30, 2/29 individuals). Calyx width (shallow (One adjusted 0.002). age slopes zero S3). X-ray images 37-day-old 4) (3.27 mm), greatest 6), (1.52 mm3). 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