Reproductive biology and larval development of the scleractinian corals Favites colemani and F. abdita (Faviidae) in northwestern Philippines

Abstract

The timing of sexual reproduction was investigated in Favites colemani and F. abdita in Bolinao, Pangasinan, northwestern Philippines. Bimonthly to weekly rapid sampling and histological analyses were conducted in permanently marked colonies for the period of 12 months from February 2014 to January 2015. The study showed both F. colemani and F. abdita are hermaphroditic broadcasting species with an annual gametogenic cycle. Both species spawned in days between full moon and last quarter of May. Maximal gamete release occurred 1–2 days before the last quarter between 20:30 and 22:30 h. Spawning events coincided with the highest mean seawater temperature and low tidal stands, suggesting lunar cycle and temperature variations may serve as potential proximate cues that could affect the timing and synchronize reproduction of these two faviid species. Larval development up to settlement in the two species was also described herein.

Keywords:

• Favites
• spawning
• gametogenesis
• corals
• environmental cue

Acknowledgment

We thank T.D. Tabalanza, C.A. Ligson, R.C. de Guzman, R.A. Uriarte, M.M. Ponce, J.I. Castrence, D.W. dela Cruz, and C.A. Angelito for their invaluable assisstance in the histological preparations, field monitorings, spawning observations, and the logistics. Dr. J.R. Guest kindly provided update on the species name of the corals in the study. Dr. P.L. Harrison generously shared his personal observations on the spawning behavior of one of the species in this study. This is UP-MSI Contribution No. 444.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development.