Growth of transplanted soft corals Lobophytum strictum on recirculation system with different light conditions

Abstract

Abstract. Prastiwi DI, Soedharma D, Subhan B. 2012. Growth of transplanted soft corals Lobophytum strictum on recirculation system with different light conditions. Bonorowo Wetlands 2: 31-39. The study was conducted from August 2010 to January 2011 at the Marine Science Research Center Laboratory, Bogor Agricultural University, Ancol, North Jakarta, using different lighting treatments at the observation pond. The first pond opened, and the second pond closed using a tarpaulin. The total data of soft coral Lobophytum strictum growth was analyzed using the Completely Randomized Design method. Measurements of soft coral include absolute growth, growth rate, and survival rates. In open ponds, survival rates of soft coral reached 100% until the end of the study, whereas in closed ponds (without light), only survived for 8 weeks. The average growth rate of soft coral ranged from 5.95 ± 0.31cm to 10.04 ± 0.6 cm. At the start of the study, the average width of soft coral fragments in open ponds was 5.27 ± 0.51 cm, and by the end of 12 weeks, the study increased to 6.84 ± 0.72 cm. The average growth of the length and width of the soft corals in the closed pond decreases every week. At the end of the study, the soft coral length was reduced by 3.55 cm, while the width was reduced by 4.28 cm. Sunlight plays a vital role in the life of soft corals; this is due to the presence of zooxanthellae microsimulation that requires sunlight to photosynthesize. The results show that the survival rate of soft corals in open ponds is better than in closed ponds. Analysis of variance shows that the growth of soft corals is significantly affected by light.