Distribution of scleractinian corals in the Atlantic Ocean with reference to zooplankton abundance in the 0-100 m layer

The analysis was based on a dataset of 943 specimens (82 species) sampled at 87 stations during cruises of Russian research vessels in the Atlantic. A hypothesis concerning correlation of coral biodiversity and population density with zooplankton abundance was tested.

Relationships between these parameters were contradictory. High coral biodiversity and population density were registered for areas of low and average zooplankton abundance in surface waters.