Using clade specific primers to clarify the diversity of zooxanthellae in the hermatypic corals off Hengam Island

Hermatypic corals are hosts to a group of exceptionally diverse dinoflagellate symbiont in the genus Symbiodinium (commonly referred to as zooxanthellae). The genus Symbiodinium is currently classified into nine genetic clades (A–I). These clades possess different ecological and physiological characteristics so they play an important role in survival of corals. Since the survival of coral reefs is related to the resistant types of Symbiodinium clades, so identification of these symbionts seems to be necessary. This study aims to use clade specific primers to clarify the diversity of Symbiodinium in each coral species. For this purpose nine coral species were collected. Coral fragments were airbrushed, then DNA extracted with CTAB method. PCR amplification was performed using clade specific primers. The results showed that multiple Symbiodinium clades are hosted by the most coral species. Clade D and C were detected from eight and seven of the coral species respectively while clade A was found in three of species. Since clade D is the most resistant clade against environmental changes, it is natural to identify this clade. It is predicted that hosting multiple zooxanthellae clades may increase tolerance of coral’s sensitivity to harsh environmental conditions of the Persian Gulf.