Automated Time-Lapse Imaging of Montipora capricornis

We used a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera equipped with an EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens and the timer option to automatically take pictures of the Montipora capricornis every 2 minutes over a period of 105 days. The frequency of taking images is determined by the frequency of tissues motions of Montipora capricornis [21 (link)]. The parameters for the camera were: F11, ISO4000, 1/10s. The camera was mounted to a tripod for stability over the long data collection period. The macro lens was perpendicular to the wall of the aquarium to avoid the blurred effect caused by refraction. Besides, the aquarium wall was cleaned regularly to ensure the quality of images. The distance between the macro lens and the wall of the aquarium was 12.5 cm.