Morales-Tirado, José A.

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Sexual reproduction in the Caribbean coral genus Mycetophyllia, in la Parguera, Puerto Rico
(2006) Morales-Tirado, José A.; Weil, Ernesto F.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Aponte, Nilda E.; Yoshioka, Paul M.; Department of Marine Sciences; Mari Mutt, José
Sexual reproduction is the most important process in the life history of corals because it provides the genetic variability to survive in changing environments. There is a lack of information about the reproductive biology in Caribbean corals. The aims of this study were to corroborate the available information about Mycetophyllia ferox and describe the sexual pattern, mode of development, the timing of the gametogenetic cycle, brooding season, reproductive traits and fecundity of M. aliciae, M. lamarckiana and M. danaana. Tissue samples of each species were collected for 14 months, fixed in Helly`s solution, decalcified in 10% HCl, dehydrated with EtOH, embedded in paraplast, and stained. Histological analysis revealed that Mycetophyllia species are simultaneous-hermaphrodites, with internal development of larvae, one gametogenetic cycle per year and different brooding seasons. Gametes maturation in Mycetophyllia species showed synchrony with the moon phase, water temperature rise, and light periods. Mycetophyllia aliciae showed significant higher mesenterial fecundity and M. ferox the lowest mesenterial fecundity.