Abstract

Phycosphere is the region where algal exudates influence microbial communities. Since the term was coined, research has been focused on understanding free-living-phytoplankton and bacteria interactions. Coral-Symbiodiniaceae symbiosis and its associated microbiomes have also been widely studied due to the increasing number of global and local threats endangering coral reefs worldwide. Nevertheless, little is known about the specific interactions between Symbiodiniaceae and bacterial communities within a coral host. In this review, we focus on Symbiodiniaceae-bacteria relationships, occurring in a zone we call here ‘Symbiodiniaceae phycosphere’, within the coral holobiont, in view of 1) identifying and outlining Symbiodiniaceae-bacteria interactions; 2) highlighting interkingdom signaling among phycosphere partners and 3) characterizing microbiome diversity and its relevance to ‘Symbiodiniaceae phycosphere’ as an adaptability generator. Since free-living Symbiodiniaceae are associated with a diverse, structured and dynamic microbial community that are attracted by chemotaxis to the microalgae exudates’ gradient, the maintenance of this gradient and its effect on the microbiota inside the coral host is a must. Here, we raise evidence that sustains the ‘Symbiodiniaceae phycosphere’ as a relevant portion of the coral holobiont, where essential roles in the holobiont’s fitness, acclimatization, adaptability and survival are presented, both in homeostatic and adverse conditions.

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