Experimental setup investigating the effects of light variability on corals

Light intensities on inshore coral reefs can vary drastically over short time periods, as sediments are resuspended by waves and wind, or introduced via land runoff. To examine the effects of this light variability, we exposed corals in experimental aquaria to different light intensities, either constantly or variably over time. The coral branches are shown here suspended in the centre of the tanks, while blue cylindrical light loggers record the light environment.