Biomass and nutrient flux measurements on Holothuria atra populations on windward reef flats at Enewetak, Marshall Islands

Authors

Kenneth L. Webb, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
William D. DuPaul, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Christopher F. D'Elia

Files

Document Type

Book Chapter

Department/Program

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Editors

D.L. Taylor (ed.)

Publication Date

1977

Book Title

Proceedings of Third International Coral Reef Symposium Vol. 1: Biology

Publisher

Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

City

Miami, Florida

Abstract

A population survey of the holothurian, Holothuria atra, on the interisland coral reefs of Enewetak revealed average animal densities of about 3 animals m-2 in the zone of small coral heads, Median fresh weighy was 60 g, The size distribution of these animals was negatively correlated with water velocity along the reef.

Ammonia release rates for three species of holothurians, H. atra, H. difficilus and Actinopyga mauritina were weight specific, The release of annnonia by H. atra on Transect II was equivalent to 9% of the total amnnonia exported from the reef proper. The release of phosphorus followed the general rules set for size - metabolism relationships. Nitrogen/phosphorus release ratios are 25:1 for 1 gram fresh weight animals and 42:1 for 60 gram animals, Urea is also released

Recommended Citation

Webb, Kenneth L.; DuPaul, William D.; and D'Elia, Christopher F., "Biomass and nutrient flux measurements on Holothuria atra populations on windward reef flats at Enewetak, Marshall Islands" (1977). VIMS Books and Book Chapters. 139.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/vimsbooks/139