Farmer Damsels and Turf Algal Patches

Patch of thick turf algae cultivated on dead coral skeleton.

When Farmer Damselfishes (Stegastes sp.) settle down in and around coral outcrops, they peck away coral polyps, and starts cultivating thick turf algal patch on the coral skeleton. As a results these territories of Farmer Damselfishes are mainly composed of turf algae, macro-algae, detritus, invertebrates and variety of microbes (bacteria etc.).

 

Spot the Farmer Damselfish
(click to view enlarged image)