Increased coral heterotrophy is linked to greater resilience. Light arrays have been shown to increase zooplankton concentrations and feeding rates 10 to 50-fold.

Capable of real-time monitoring and allowing dynamic control of a light array, a Bristlemouth-enabled coral larvae nursery system could modulate light patterns to optimize zooplankton attraction and enhance nursery site selection. These factors could increase the success of genetically diverse corals when outplanted.