Microbial utilization of coral mucus in long term in situ incubation over a coral reef

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess degradation and utilization
of coral mucus by bacteria and fungi in long term in situ incubation over a coral reef. The mucus was collected from the surface of the coral Acropora tenuis and incubated in the dark at 25°C for up to 6 months. The mucus was then analyzed for its chemical composition and microbial community structure. The chemical