Zoological Studies

Vol. 41 No. 3, 2002

Lunar Periodicity of Larval Release by Pocilloporid Corals in Southern Taiwan

Tung-Yung Fan1, Jan-Jung Li1, Sheng-Xian Le2 and Lee-Shing Fang1,3,*

1National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan 944
2Department of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung Institute of Marine Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 811
3Institute of Marine Resources, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 804

Tung-Yung Fan, Jan-Jung Li, Sheng-Xian Le and Lee-Shing Fang (2002) 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.

Key words: Coral, Planulation, Lunar cycle, Settlement.

*Correspondence: Tel: 886-8-8824485. Fax: 886-8-8824488. E-mail: lsfang@nmmba.gov.tw