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Characterization of the coral reefs off veracruz/mexico characterización de los arrecifes de corales de Veracruz/Mexico
Author(s) -
H. H. Kühlmann Dietrich
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
internationale revue der gesamten hydrobiologie und hydrographie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1522-2632
pISSN - 0020-9309
DOI - 10.1002/iroh.19750600404
Subject(s) - reef , coral reef , fringing reef , coral , environmental issues with coral reefs , fauna , geography , oceanography , coral reef organizations , atoll , habitat , fishery , ecology , geology , coral reef protection , biology
In May 1965 and June 1966 an ecological study of the Arrecife Blanquilla, Arrecife Pajaros, Bajo Verde and Anegada de Adentro coral reefs off Veracruz, Mexico was made using aqualungs. The present work summarizes and discusses the existing knowledge about these reefs which is still incomplete. Similarly structured reef portions and similar features found in a number of reefs in ecologically comparable locations led the author to conclude that the reefs as a whole are similar to each other. In their position on the shelf, their round‐oval shape, their elevated ridges, their shallow lagoon‐type centres and their tendency to form islands they are basically comparable to the platform reefs of the Australian Great Barrier Reef. The coral associations have been produced by the environmental factors prevailing in the three recognizable habitats, the surf zone, the shallow body of calm water, and the steep slopes with moderate water movement. The coral fauna was found to be poorer than that of other reef areas in the West Indies.