Reproductive characteristics and factors affecting spawning of the hard coral (Acropora species)in Redang Island ,Malaysia ,South China Sea

Abstract

The sexual reproduction of four Acropora species was studied from a population at Teluk Ketigi, Redang Island, Terengganu, Malaysia. The study was conducted from May 2005 to October 2006. Six coral colonies were selected for each Acropora species: three colonies for regular sampling, two for in situ spawning observation and one served as control. In each colony, one small branch was collected and preserved in 10% seawater buffered Formalin and decalcified with 10% Hydrochloric Acid(HC1). Remaining tissue was dissected and the diameter of 50 oocytes was recorded for each coral sample. Sampling was carried out every fortnight, and increased to every week when gonad development was observed.