A Description of Spawning and Post-Gastrula Development of the Cool Temperate Coral, Caryophyllia Smithi

Abstract

Spawning and post-gastrula development of planula larvae of the ahermatype Caryophyllia smithi are described. Gametes develop within the mesenteries of the adults usually between January and March, are discharged through the mouth of the polyp and fertilized externally in the sea water. Ova are either brown or cream in colour, spherical or slightly oval in shape and are 130–150 µm in diameter. Planulae are fully formed after 48 h, when feeding commences. A large apical tuft (30–60 µm in length) is present but only during the first six weeks of pelagic life. After 8–10 weeks of feeding in culture larvae reach a length of 800–1000 µm: they are then fully developed and ready to settle. Attention is paid to the effects of sea water temperatures on reproduction; locomotion and feeding behaviour of planulae are also discussed.