Nitrogen fixation and diversity of benthic cyanobacterial mats on coral reefs in Curacao

Benthic cyanobacterial mats (BCMs) have increased in abundance on coral reefs worldwide. However, their species diversity and role in nitrogen fixation are poorly understood. We assessed the cyanobacterial diversity of BCMs at four coral reef sites in Curacao, Southern Caribbean. In addition, nitrogen fixation rates of six common mats were measured. Microscopic examinations showed 22 cyanobacterial species, all from the order Oscillatoriales. Species diversity was similar among sites despite differences in overall BCM abundance. Dominant mats were primarily composed of Hydrocoletan glutinosum,... Mehr ...