The relationship between genetic similarity and reproductive success in the branching coral Acropora intermedia

Abstract

Reproductive success via sexual reproduction is a key factor in restoring and maintaining populations of branching corals. It is crucial to consider the relationship between genetic similarity and reproductive success when restoring branching acroporids because these corals have characteristics such as fragmentation and localized recruitment. In this study, we examined the relationship between genetic similarity (as measured by amplified fragment length polymorphisms) and reproductive success of Acropora intermedia in 2009 and 2010, at Okinawa, southern Japan. There was a significant negative relationship between fertilization rate and genetic similarity. However, there was no significant relationship between genetic similarity and planula survivorship. Based on these findings and the characteristics of A. intermedia, asexual reproduction may decrease genetic diversity and promote inbreeding in the population.

Keywords:

• Genetic similarity
• reproductive success
• Acropora intermedia
• branching coral

Published in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Published in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Mr Yusaku Kanaya (Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium) and Dr Sayaka Kai (Seikai National Fisheries Research Institute, Fisheries Research Agency) for their assistance with collecting colonies and cross experiments; Mr Sonshu Sakihara (Toyohashi University of Technology) for his assistance with AFLP data analyses; and Dr Akira Iguchi and Dr Masaya Morita (Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus) for their useful comments about our study.

Notes

Published in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Denmark