Addressing a flat-out problem: environmental DNA (eDNA) exposes silent infestations of Acropora-eating flatworms (Prosthiostomum acroporae) in coral aquaculture

Addressing a flat-out problem: environmental DNA (eDNA) exposes silent infestations of Acropora-eating flatworms (Prosthiostomum acroporae) in coral aquaculture | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL Ecology and Evolution This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 4 December 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Addressing a flat-out problem: environmental DNA (eDNA) exposes silent infestations of Acropora-eating flatworms (Prosthiostomum acroporae) in coral aquaculture Authors : Clare M. Grimm 0009-0002-4317-3086 [email protected] , Jonathan Barton , David G. Bourne , Yui Sato , and Jason Doyle Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176483541.14515996/v1 Published Ecology and Evolution Version of record Peer review timeline 293 views 167 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Captive culturing of coral is required to supply a burgeoning aquarium trade and potentially supply populations to replenish reefs that have been degraded globally due to anthropogenic impacts. High-density coral propagation can be compromised by pests that reduce broodstock and offspring health. Acropora-eating flatworms (Prosthiostomum acroporae) are parasitic polyclads that often evade visual detection and feed on tissues of branching coral species of the genus Acropora, which are key targets for coral aquaculture production. We developed a highly sensitive and specific droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay to detect environmental DNA (eDNA) of P. acroporae from water samples, with the limit of detection of 2.3 copies of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene per ddPCR reaction. Validation was performed using water samples of aquaria holding Acropora corals suspected to be affected by P. acroporae, and the sequence identity of ddPCR amplicons confirmed by Sanger sequencing. P. acroporae eDNA was detected in some cases without visual confirmation of P. acroporae, indicating this assay can detect early infestations of P. acroporae that are not evident through visual monitoring. This study demonstrates that the ddPCR assay can be a valuable tool for monitoring pests in coral aquaculture systems and subclinical detection of parasitic infestations. Supplementary Material File (aefw-edna-manuscript-final_ecol-evo.docx) Download 2.50 MB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 04 December 2025 Peer review timeline Published Ecology and Evolution Version of Record 17 Apr 2026 Published Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Collection Ecology and Evolution Keywords genetics invertebrate laboratory marine method development molecular genetics sequencing Authors Affiliations Clare M. Grimm 0009-0002-4317-3086 [email protected] Australian Institute of Marine Science View all articles by this author Jonathan Barton Australian Institute of Marine Science View all articles by this author David G. Bourne Australian Institute of Marine Science View all articles by this author Yui Sato Australian Institute of Marine Science View all articles by this author Jason Doyle Australian Institute of Marine Science View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 293 views 167 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Clare M. Grimm, Jonathan Barton, David G. Bourne, et al. Addressing a flat-out problem: environmental DNA (eDNA) exposes silent infestations of Acropora-eating flatworms (Prosthiostomum acroporae) in coral aquaculture. Authorea . 04 December 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176483541.14515996/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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