Dataset: Coral colony sizes and conditions, of three species of the Orbicella complex (Orbicella annularis, O. faveolata and O. franksi) in two donor sites of a reciprocal transplant experiment, Varadero and Punta Brava, 2017

This dataset contains the primary data of the bathymetric survey of three species of the Orbicella complex (Orbicella annularis, O. faveolata and O. franksi). The surveys were performed in two donor sites of a reciprocal transplant experiment: Varadero and Punta Brava. The number of colonies and some physiological traits recorded on a belt transect deployed perpendicular to the reef slope at a series of depths are reported.

The number of colonies of each species was recorded on a 50x1m belt transect deployed perpendicular to the reef slope at a series of depths. Six depths were assessed in Varadero (2, 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5 and 9m) and eight in Rosario (3, 5, 7, 9, 13, 17, 21 and 25m). The colony size (minimum and maximum diameter and height in cm) and percentage of old mortality and recent mortality of all Orbicella colonies encountered within the transect are reported.

These data were used in the manuscript “Degradation of the underwater light environment: physiological and ecological consequences for reef corals” submitted to the Journal Nature Communications Biology. [under review, 2019-12-28]