Temporal and spatial variation in fatty acid composition in Acropora tenuis corals along water quality gradients on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Fatty acids (FA) play a vital role in coral physiology, metabolism and stress resistance. Optimal health requires a balance of fatty acids, and more specifically essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), for efficient biochemical and physiological functioning. Therefore, it is necessary to fully assess and evaluate the viability of FA as biomarkers for monitoring the health of coral populations. This study explores seasonal and spatial...