Pocillopora verrucosa captive microbiome
Branching coral Pocillopora verrucosa was cultured with various combinations of live feeds (Artemia, rotifer and mixed microalgae) and co-culture with juvenile Chromis viridis damselfish. Changes in the coral's microbiome were tracked from initial arrival in the facility from the field, 1.5 months post-acclimation to the captive environment, and after 3 months in culture with the different live feeds and co-culture treatments. Water samples were also taken at all timepoints, to compare coral's microbiome to their surrounding environment.