Abstract
Planulation by Favia fragum at the high-latitude reef of Bermuda was examined during July and August of 2004–2007. In 2004 and 2005, observations were extended to June and September; however, planulation only occurred in July and August, when temperatures were increasing toward and during the annual high. Planulation peaked 6–12 days after the new moon, corresponding to the pattern found for F. fragum in the Caribbean. Mean monthly fecundity was also similar to that found in the Caribbean; however, annual and monthly fecundity were variable, being lowest in July 2005, which coincided with lowest mean SST. These results indicate that although fecundity and lunar timing of planulation by F. fragum are not affected by latitude, reproductive seasonality may be shorter at high-latitude reefs. Understanding reproductive events at latitudinal extremes gives insight to environmental controls on coral reproduction, which will aid in future management and restoration efforts.
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Acknowledgments
We thank R. M. Woollacott (Harvard University) for his guidance and insightful comments. We thank BIOS for providing lab space and boat use, and R. Jones, J. Pitt, J. Wood, N. Brylewska, K. Holzer, D. Cooke, C. Cruise (all from BIOS), M. Pakes, and L. Stoppel (Harvard University) for assistance in the field. This project was supported by Harvard University graduate student funding and by BIOS Grants-in-Aid. This manuscript is BIOS contribution number 1717.
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Goodbody-Gringley, G., de Putron, S.J. Planulation patterns of the brooding coral Favia fragum (Esper) in Bermuda. Coral Reefs 28, 959–963 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-009-0539-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-009-0539-z