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

Authors

  • Jamrearn Buaruang Division of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkapi, Bangkok, 10240, Thailand
  • Kanokkorn Longmatcha Marine Microbe Environment Research Unit, Division of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkapi, Bangkok, 10240, Thailand
  • Worawut Chaiyasaeng Marine Microbe Environment Research Unit, Division of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkapi, Bangkok, 10240, Thailand

Keywords:

Climate variability, Diversity, Xestospongia testudinaria, Marine fungi, Underwater pinnacle

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.

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Published

2025-08-31

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2025): May-August

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Original Articles

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