Distinct responses of Endozoicomonadaceae in octocoral compared to stony corals under diurnal temperature fluctuations- a study of Chien-Yi, Wu et al.
Description
Bacteria are crucial to the coral holobiont and influence the host's physiological responses to environmental changes, especially the family Endozoicomonadaceae. However, its role in octocorals, which are essential to tropical reefs, is less understood. Climate change has caused frequent sea temperature anomalies, yet the impact on octocorals remains unclear. Therefore, we operated a four-week tank experiment setting different daily temperature fluctuations (±5°C and ±7°C) with continuous temperature accelerating (25°C ~27.8°C) in Litophyton sp.. Photosynthetic efficiency and activities of antioxidant enzymes were assessed to represent the level of thermal stress coral undertaken, and 16S rDNA were using to bacterial composition sequencing via Illumina and PacBio. While physiological performance showed no significant changes, the bacterial community did show variations. Specifically, the alpha diversity and relative abundance of Endozoicomonadaceae were highest in the ±7°C treatment. Notably, wild bleaching samples exhibited a significant increase in Endozoicomonadaceae, suggesting its potential as an indicator of octocoral health under environmental stress.