Although it is reasonably well established that corals symbiotic with endozoic algae (the zooxanthellae) are capable of multitrophic (1) existence, we are still a long way away from evaluating the relative importance of the various trophic pathways (2). There is no question that zooplankton provide a source of materials and energy to corals, yet there is doubt whether zooplankton are plentiful enough to supply all the needs for these essentials (3). There appear to be alternate sources of supply. Sufficient energy is likely to be available to the symbiotic association by virtue of the photosynthetic capacity of the zooxanthellae (4); thus, energy wise, the effects of the limited quantities of available zooplankton may be obviated. But what of the balance of nutrient elements such as N and P?https://scholarworks.wm.edu/vimsbooks/1139/thumbnail.jp
