Lunar Periodicity of Larval Release by Pocilloporid Corals in Southern Taiwan

Lunar patterns of larval release by 3 brooding corals, Seriatopora hystrix, Pocillopora damicornis, and Stylophora pistillata, in southern Taiwan were investigated. Corals were collected and maintained in outdoor, flow-through systems to quantify nightly release of larvae. Planulation of S. hystrix...

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Veröffentlicht in:Zoological Studies 2002-07, Vol.41 (3), p.288-294
Hauptverfasser: 樊同雲(Tung-Yung Fan), 李展榮(Jan-Jung Li), 葉勝賢(Sheng-Xian Ie), 方力行(Lee-Shing Fang)
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Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Lunar patterns of larval release by 3 brooding corals, Seriatopora hystrix, Pocillopora damicornis, and Stylophora pistillata, in southern Taiwan were investigated. Corals were collected and maintained in outdoor, flow-through systems to quantify nightly release of larvae. Planulation of S. hystrix and P. damicornis revealed a well-defined lunar pattern with planulae being released during the new moon and 1st quarter. Planulation of S. pistillata occurred throughout the lunar phase, but more planulae were released in the 2nd-quarter moon phase. It is likely that the lunar periodicity in planulation of the 3 pocilloporid coral species is a result of lunar periodicity in gamete and larval development. Larvae of S. hystrix and S. pistillata released later had higher rates of settlement within 24 h on plastic petri dishes. Based on the reproduction and settlement information available, it would be practical to obtain a large number of competent planulae, seed them on suitable substrata, and then transfer them to reefs for restoring damaged coral populations and communities.
ISSN:1021-5506