Orange Montastrea cavernosa recruits?

[Jamie D. Bechtel]

Iain, i have done  research on this phenomenon with regards to adult
colonies and planulae.  fluoresence in planulae, recruits and colonies is
relatively common but often unobserved because we don't spend much time
underwater with fluroescent lights. preliminary results indicate that the
fluorescence is caused by intact, secondary photosynthetic pigments
(phycoerythrin, phycocyanin) which is counter-intuitive given that
zooxanthellae do not posses these pigments. the fluorescence is highly
visible in some species. something that i have not been able to figure out
is that often times- planulae  fluoresce a different color than the adult
colony (pers. ob, discovery bay, species: agaricia a.).  although specific
patterns of fluorescence are still undefined, the phenomena does not appear
to be stress related, although stress may enhance or diminsh the quality
and type of observable flurescence. 

i hope this is helpful. let me know if you would like more specific
information.  

cheers,
jamie

____________________________________________________________________
			Jamie D. Bechtel
Boston University				Boston College
Department of Biology				Law School
5 Cummington Street				881 Centre Street
Boston, MA 02115				Newton, MA 02467
(617)353-6969