quick study of direct and shaded light on coral

[psteeleb]

here is an interesting and direct correlation of light on two different SPS colonies

first an overview of the study area; the large staghorn is shading two SPS below; a birdsnest and an Acropora sp. ( I call the blob). Both corals were positioned under the staghorn about 4 months ago and had fairly even growth patterns, colors, PE etc.

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close up of the birdsnest
- the shaded area has more growth, more PE and more depth of color
- the direct light area; less growth, less PE, and appears more blanched

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the Acropora
- direct light area has an abundance of new growth and bright polyps. color appears lighter
- shaded area, less growth in terms of branches per sq inch but branches appear thicker, color appears richer

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[Reefmike]

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing this with us. I think a lot of times we stick a bunch of corals in our tanks and don't give much thought as to what depths they are found at on the reef.