PatchReefs

Patch Reefs

Description

Patch Reefs are small areas (patches) of coral that are in close proximity to each other but are physically separate from each other because of sand rings around them. Patch reefs are found in waters with a depth of ten to twenty feet (flmnh, L and L) and are typically found in close proximity to land. Coral reef formation is restricted to a solid surface (such as rocky outcroppings and fossil coral ridges) (L and L), which will create patch reefs when the solid surfaces are isolated from each other. As with all coral reefs, there needs to be sunlight, low turbidity, appropriate water temperature, and low nutrient levels.

Discussion

Formation

Patch reefs are formed on rocky or fossilized coral outcroppings in ten to twenty feet of water.<ref> Brain and star corals are typically the first inhabitants of patch reefs, and other corals develop there over time.

Morphology and Ecology

• They form upward and then outward.
• Width of rings dependent on how far herbivorous fish go from the patch reef to feed
• Isolation and Fish Migration.
• Nurseries
• “Large transient taxa” (Schroder and parrish) are not common in patch reefs.

Location

• Usually, patch reefs occur within the lagoon behind the barrier or atoll rim (UPRM)
• 10-20 Feet of water
• Closer to shore with spaces in between allowing for better circulation.