Gametogenesis and Early Development of the Temperate Coral 'Astrangia danae' (Anthozoa: Scleractinia)

摘要

The growing interest in coral reefs and coral biology has not led to many studies of reproduction. While it seems likely that patterns of reproduction in corals may be similar to those in anemones, the authors lack detailed studies of the corals themselves. Our present knowledge is largely based on the studies during the Great Barrier Reef Expedition. This report presents the results of an 18-month study of the reproductive activities of the temperate scleractinian coral Astrangia danae living near the northern limit of its geographic distribution. Along the southern end of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, A. danae occurs as small encrusting colonies on rocky surfaces and shells (Agassiz and Fewkes, 1889). It is found in nature both with and without the endosymbiotic dinoflagellates known as zooxanthellae and is remarkable among corals in tolerating an annual temperature range of -2C to 22C.