Abstract
Although the study of coral reproduction has advanced tremendously over the last few decades, a particular gap exists in our knowledge of the reproductive modes of corals from ‘mesophotic coral ecosystems’ (MCEs) found at 30–150 m depth. Here, we report for the first time on the reproductive patterns, living cover, and survivorship under different light treatments of two scleractinian species from the MCEs of Eilat, Red-Sea: Alveopora allingi and A. ocellata. Both species are found exclusively within MCEs and are high in both abundance and relative cover. These species display a synchronous gametogenic cycles with consecutive oocyte growth and development. Peak of reproductive activity occurs in late summer (September-October), typified by accelerated oocyte growth, coinciding with the rise in seawater temperature. Estimates of fecundity show mean monthly maxima of 48.5 ± 26.3 and 23.5 ± 11.8 (Mean ± SE) oocytes per cm2 for A. allingi and A. ocellata respectively, prior to spawning. A comparison of light and temperature regimes in the shallow vs. MCE environments is presented, and the response of these species to changes in these parameters is discussed. A call encouraging the much-needed studies on the sexuality and reproductive modes of MCE coral species is expressed.
Highlights
Sexual reproduction is a critical life-history function important in the maintenance and evolution of coral communities[1]
From the histological study it is evident that A. allingi and A. ocellata are hermaphroditic spawners, with each polyp having both male and female functions
The criteria for classification of gametocytes into developmental stages for A. allingi and A. ocellata were as follows: four developmental stages for oocytes and four for spermaries were defined based on Szmant-Froelich et al.[25,26] and Glynn et al.[27] (Supplement Table 1)
Summary
Sexual reproduction is a critical life-history function important in the maintenance and evolution of coral communities[1]. Reproductive traits of scleractinians: coral sexuality (hermaphroditism vs gonochorism), mode of reproduction (brooding vs broadcast spawning), and timing of reproduction (seasonality, periodicity, and synchrony), vary among species[2,3] and can have an important influence on the recovery of disturbed coral reefs[4]. Some of these reproductive characteristics (e.g. coral sexuality) were demonstrated to be highly conserved within groups and indicate a strong systematic pattern in coral reproduction (reviewed by Baird et al.[5]). We report for the first time on the reproductive biology (i.e., sexual system, gametogenic cycles, gamete development and fecundity), living cover and survivorship under different light treatments of these species from the MCEs of Eilat, Red Sea
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