An Analysis of Gorgonian (Anthozoa; Octocorallia) Zonation on Singapore Reefs with Respect to Depth

Zonation patterns of gorgonians from 15 sites on reefs south of the main island of Singapore reveal discontinuities in terms of both generic richness and total abundance. This establishes the crest, slope, and bottom as ecologically distinct environments of the reef, as interpreted by these gorgonian population parameters. Only members of the family Melithaeidae are able to colonise all three zones. Other genera are restricted to the slope and bottom; in particular, Acanthogorgia and Echinomuricea are only found at the bottom zone.