| ABSTRACT Algal turfs are currently the most abundant benthic component on most coral reefs. Their wide distribution, functional role and positive response to factors that stress corals confirm their importance in the functioning of reef ecosystem. It has been shown that species composition, structural development and sediment retention influence their capacity to kill and displace adjacent live coral tissue. In this study in two reefs of the Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombian Caribbean), the variation in structure of turfs growing on and in direct interaction with massive live corals was determined, and its structural complexity was related with its sediment retention capacity. For that, the taxonomical composition was determined, and canopy height,... |
