Variation in levels and location of lipids in corals tissue of the ROPME Sea Area

Abstract EN

- Histological examination was made and total lipid levels assessed in seven genera of corals from the ROPME Sea area at seven stations along the western coast.

Lipids appear in histological sections as black particles 4-6 p.m diameter in the gastrodermal layers, mainly in the lower half of the polyps, in mesoglea, in zooxanthellae and in eggs.

The mean levels of stored lipids varied between 20.91 to 54.23% of dry tissue weight.

There were significant differences among species and stations (2-way ANOVA).

Lipid levels found in Arabian Gulf shallow water corals proved that oil pollution has no effect on lipid level and photosynthesis.