Identification of Optimal Light Treatment for Coral Fragment Calcification and Tissue Pigmentation

Drip-dry weights and photographic documentation were used to assess calcification, pigmentation, and tissue health. Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, and pH, were monitored regularly. Weekly snapshots of the light spectrum confirmed consistency with experimental profiles.</p><p dir="ltr">Non-parametric statistical testing suggests that the purple, blue, cyan (PBC) and purple, blue, red (PBR) lighting treatments are both significantly different from the control treatment.

However, compared to the control treatments, there was a greater increase in pigmentation, reflecting higher Symbiodiniaceae densities in coral tissues, in the PBC treatments than in the PBR treatments. Corals exposed to PBC lighting showed increased weight, indicative of higher calcification rates. Clear species and treatment effects were observed, with O. faveolata accounting for the majority of the increases in calcification rate in the PBC treatment.

However, the PBR lighting showed a greater increase in surface area, corresponding to higher rates of tissue growth. Variation in mean PAR and temperature was similar across trials, and therefore changes in coral health were due solely to spectral differences.</p>These findings suggest using PBC lighting for coral restoration and nurseries, as it helps reduce bleaching and promote symbiont retention.<br><br><br><hr><i>For inquiries regarding the contents of this dataset, please contact the Corresponding Author listed in the README.txt file.

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