Work

Effects of Climate Variability on Diversity of Barrel Sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria) Associated Fungi in Coral Community from Underwater Pinnacle, Rayong Province

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Climate change and coastal development in Rayong Province, Thailand, have led to rising sea temperatures, impacting marine ecosystems. This study investigated the effect of seasonal temperature variation on the diversity of marine fungi associated with the barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria) at depths of 10, 15, and 20 meters around the Hin Phloeng underwater pinnacle. Samples were collected during three seasons: summer (April 2023), rainy season (September 2023), and winter (February 2024). A total of 848 fungal isolates were obtained and identified through morphological and molecular analysis. Eight fungal taxa were recorded, with the dominant species being Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium spp. The abundance of these species decreased with lower seawater temperatures, while Emericella spp. and Cladosporium sp. increased in cooler conditions. These results suggest that specific marine fungal taxa associated with X. testudinaria may serve as potential bioindicators of seawater temperature changes. This study provides a valuable baseline for marine fungal diversity in Thai coral ecosystems and supports the use of sponge-associated fungi in environmental monitoring.

Source: Ramkhamhaeng International Journal of Science and Technology

Authors: Buaruang, Jamrearn, Longmatcha, Kanokkorn, Chaiyasaeng, Worawut

Institution: Ramkhamhaeng University

Language: English

Topic: Marine Sponges and Natural Products

Subfield: Biotechnology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: National Research Council of Thailand

OpenAlex ID: W7219306124

FWCI:

Cites: 2

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Related to: 10