Molecular identification of dinoflagellates symbionts (Zooxanthellae) in corals of the Jordanian Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea

• Published in: Regional studies in marine science Vol. 77; p. 103649
• Main Authors: Arabeyyat, Zeinab H., Sweiss, Mais A., Alsoqi, Farah M., kteifan, Maysoon, Al-Horani, Fuad, Taha, Zakaria D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 10.12.2024
• Subjects: 18S rDNA; 28S rDNA; Aqaba; Corals; Red Sea; Symbiodinium; Zooxanthellae; Zooxanthellae; Corals; Aqaba; 18S rDNA; 28S rDNA; Red Sea; Symbiodinium
• ISSN: 2352-4855; 2352-4855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2024.103649

Dinoflagellates, known as zooxanthellae, occur endo-symbiotically in many marine invertebrates including corals. Knowledge of zooxanthellae genera can contribute to a better understanding of the sensitivity of corals to environmental conditions and how it adapted genetically to these conditions. In this study, the sequences of 18 S rDNA and 28 S rDNA have been used as molecular markers to identify endosymbiotic dinoflagellate microalgae associated with the scleractinian corals and to resolve phylogenetic relationships among these dinoflagellates in the Jordanian Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea. Our results indicate the abundance of zooxanthellae Symbiodinium, Cladocopium, and Durusdinium genera; with some differences between corals. The dominant symbiont group in most coral genera was genus Cladocopium. This is the first investigation of microalgal symbiont types in different scleractinian corals of the Jordanian Gulf of Aqaba, where identifying the microalgal symbiont types of coral could be a key factor that is potentially important for future conservation and restoration actions.