Feature Article: Effects Of Narrow Bandwidth Light Sources On
Coral Host And Zooxanthellae Pigments Lighting is an extremely
important consideration for reef aquarium hobbyists, yet there
are still many unanswered questions concerning artificial light
sources and their effects on captive corals. This article will
examine the results of experiments designed to investigate the
effects of light spectra on coral coloration, some of which were
unexpected. Many benthic invertebrates inhabiting coral reefs
contain fluorescent and reflective pigments, and it has long
been speculated that these are produced as a protective response
to 'strong sunlight' (suggested by Kawaguti in 1944 and re-
examined by Salih et al., 2000). Further, researchers have
examined excitation and emission spectra of fluorescent coral
pigments (Mazel, 1995; 1997) and the instantaneous effects of
altered spectral quality on apparent coloration (Fux and Mazel,
1999, and unpublished). However, very little information exists
on influences of artifi