|
NISCAIR ONLINE PERIODICALS REPOSITORY (NOPR) >
NISCAIR PUBLICATIONS >
Research Journals >
Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences (IJMS) >
IJMS Vol.39 [2010] >
IJMS Vol.39(2) [June 2010] >
| Title: | Observations on the reproduction of Acropora corals along the Tuticorin coast of the Gulf of Mannar, Southeastern India |
| Authors: | Raj, K Diraviya
Edward, J K Patterson |
| Keywords: | Acropora
Spawning
Immature
Mature
Reproduction |
| Issue Date: | Jun-2010 |
| Publisher: | CSIR |
| Abstract: | Pattern of reproduction was studied in Acropora species along
Tuticorin coast in the Gulf of Mannar from 2006-2008. Extensive surveys were
conducted to monitor reproductive maturity and the timing of spawning. Gametes
were observed from January with colonies releasing gametes by the end of March.
Acropora cytherea showed immature
colonies in January
(48-79%) and February (56-76%) and mature colonies in March (36-86%). Likewise,
the other species of Acropora
examined showed 50-75% of immature colonies in January and an increase of
10-20% of immature colonies in February, and matured in March. The average
percentage of mature colonies in March was as follows, A. formosa 47-76%, A.
valenciennesi 50-81%,
A. intermedia 50-81%, A. nobilis 25-82%, A. micropthalma 56-83%, A.
hemprichi 39-83%, A. hyacinthus
33-100%,
A. corymbosa 59-65%. Spawning was
observed in A. cytherea on 24 March
2006, 10 days after full moon; 28 March in 2007,
5 days prior to full moon; and 8 March 2008, 1 day after new moon.
Approximately 30,000 egg and sperm bundles were observed in 1 litre of water
and each bundle had 20-25 eggs in A.
cytherea. Environmental parameters, especially rise in temperature at the end
of March was believed to play lead role in coral spawning. |
| Page(s): | 219-226 |
| ISSN: | 0975-1033 (Online); 0379-5136 (Print) |
| Source: | IJMS Vol.39(2) [June 2010]
|
|
