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All types of corals are not targeted by the trade in ornamental coral. Although the species are the same, only the exotic-colored corals, the correct size and the interesting form are generally taken from the wild by fishermen.
According to research by Green and Shirley (1999), there are several types of ornamental corals that are the main targets of trade. Among them Cynarina lacrymalis, Tracyphyllia geoffroyi, Nemenzophyllia turbida, Physogyra lichtensteini, Plerogyra spp, Euphyllia spp, Blastomussa spp, Ahantastrea spp and Scolymia spp.. Each of these species is subject to a quota collection limit each year by the government, which is regulated by the Managing Authority and the Scientific Authority.
So what's the difference between coral, even if it's still clbadified as a similar species?
Apparently, coral growth depends on the species of unicellular symbiotic algae, the zooxanthellae. Corals of the same species can have different types of zooxanthellae, as well as species clade (zooxanthellae group that has the same characteristics). According to the results of the study, 10 billion cells of zooxanthellae are present in 1 cm2 of coral polyps!
Several types of zooxanthellae have been identified so far, including: Symbiodinium microadriatum, while in some species there are several types clade again, there are currently 9 known clade to know clade A – clade I.
The grouped researchers clade based on the adaptability of zooxanthellae to the sun, UV rays and temperature. The most commonly found species are atcladeAT.
Existence of ornamental corals in Indonesian waters
In several locations where the author participated in surveys between 2002 and 2018, including the waters of Lampung, Southeast Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi and Central Java, there are ornamental corals. at different depths and types of habitat such as reef plate (reef terumbu), reef crest (tubular), reef slope (reef slope)and burned (patch the reefs)
Usually, research on the scientific conditions of corals is often done at depths of 3, 5 and 10 meters on reefs and reefs. But the coral reefs targeted by the trade may not be found at this depth. It could be deeper.
In reef plains, the depths of which generally range from 1 to 3 meters, ornamental corals typically exhibit the characteristics of rapid growth and abundant populations. Corals at this location are sensitive to temperature changes such as bleaching (coral bleaching) and vulnerable to death.
However, on the contrary, reefs in the reef have a rapidly growing nature and recover quickly in less than four years. With the conditions, as long as the substrate and environmental conditions promote growth.
Fast-growing coral species come from growing groups (Life form) branched (branching out), leaves (folious) and scratching (encrusting). Among the species of ornamental corals present here are Acropora, Seriatopora, Pocillopora, Montipora and Fungia. Everything has been successfully cultivated for aquarium ornamental coral purposes, with the exception of the Fungia species.
Corals in the water usually have a depth of 3 to 7 meters. Ornamental corals that can be found in these waters include Euphyllia, Scolymia and several types of corals found in the reef plains.
The reef slopes are at depths greater than 8-12 meters. At this depth, there are usually many corals from large groups of polyps such as Cynarina lacrymalis, Tracyphyllia geoffroyi, Nemenzophyllia turbida, Physogyra lichtensteini, Plerogyra spp., Euphyllia spp., Blastomussa spp., Ahantastrea spp. And Scolymia spp.
Some of these types are also found in deeper or shallower areas.
On the contrary, not all external waters constitute this coral habitat. At the time of the survey, not all types of target corals were necessarily in a large area.
Coral species Cynarina lacrymalis and Trachyphillia geoffroyi often found together in one area. Instead, coral types Catalaphyllia jardenei and Nemenzophyllia turbida very rarely found.
An exception, during a dive in a region of central Sulawesi, the author encountered a reef Catalaphyllia Jardenei in his area as a stretch. The same is found for the Euphyllia coral genera that live in groups in a vast expanse. For the record, this place is kept secret by fishermen and seekers of natural ornamental corals. Only on the trusted search team, they will deliver to this place.
Unlike other places, burned areas are usually subject to extreme conditions, where the current is strong and which rapidly change direction and speed. Depths range from shallow to 30 meters or more, substrate with sand and fine mud.
At this place, there are often large polyps lying on the sand. This type of coral can not adhere to the substrate and does not form a reef because it is blocked by sand. Fishermen take it easily without tools. Immediately picked up from the basket and taken aboard the ship.
Ornamental coral habitats of large polyps are usually found in deeper water than 14 meters, the substrate is usually sandy to muddy. Sometimes divers need careful dive techniques to avoid moving the mud and sand substrate, which could make the water turbid.
In addition, large polyps are often found in fast-flowing waters. Indeed, many sources of coral food are carried by the currents. The nature of the waters quickly becomes clear because the murky waters will be quickly washed away.
Until now, the use of large corals polyp ornament usually came from nature. Due to its nature which requires a lot of time to develop, there is no economically efficient growing technology for this reef. Scientists are continuing their studies on the potential for badual culture so that corals can be used in the future.
In order to remain sustainable, it is necessary to be extra careful in the use of nature's ornamental corals, also through strict regulation and supervision, as all the types of ornamental corals have not been successfully grown.
* Dr. Ofri Johan, M.Sc.. The author is a researcher at the Center for Research on Ornamental Fish Culture of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
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