1. Competition for Light:
- Staghorn coral (Acropora spp.) has branching structures that provide them an advantage in capturing sunlight. They compete with other species like Massive (Porites spp.) and Finger corals (Porites spp.) for access to light, especially in shallow waters.
2. Predation and Overgrowth:
- Mushroom corals (Fungia spp.) often experience competition from branching corals. Branching corals such as Acropora spp. can grow over the mushroom corals, reducing their ability to receive sunlight and potentially causing death.
3. Allelopathy:
- Soft corals, such as the leather coral (Sarcophyton spp.), have been known to use allelopathy to inhibit the growth of neighboring corals. They release chemical compounds that deter the settlement and growth of other coral species.
4. Interspecific Competition between Zooxanthellae:
- Different coral species harbor specific species of Symbiodinium (zooxanthellae). Inter-specific competition can occur between these symbiotic algae. Some zooxanthellae offer superior photosynthetic performance, providing the host coral with a competitive advantage in resource acquisition.
5. Recruitment Interference:
- Large and fast-growing species, such as Porites spp., may smother and inhibit the recruitment and settlement of other coral species' larvae. These species can reduce the available space for new corals to settle, impacting community composition.
Inter-specific competition often occurs alongside other types of stresses in coral reef ecosystems, such as high sea temperatures, pollution, and overfishing. Understanding these competitive interactions is crucial for reef conservation and management efforts, as they influence the delicate balance and resilience of marine ecosystems.
