Reproductive phenology and sexual propagation of the pink sea fan Eunicella verrucosa Pallas, 1766 for coral restoration DOI Creative Commons
Christina Egger, Catarina Melo,

Brian J. Marquardt

et al.

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 28, 2025

Abstract The widespread decline of coral-dominated ecosystems due to human disturbances has highlighted the urgent need for active habitat restoration. Coral restoration using sexually produced individuals instead clonal fragments is essential reduce impacts on donor populations and promote genetic diversity, which vital adaptability environmental changes. However, most coral species, particularly those in temperate deep-water (> 50 m), critical knowledge reproduction larval ecology ex situ sexual propagation lacking. To address this gap, study, we provide first report spawning octocoral Eunicella verrucosa North-East Atlantic describe details development settlement. annual reproductive timing South-West Portugal was determined from samples collected as fisheries bycatch a single population source monitored comparison across distinct durations conditions. species exhibited split-spawning over about one month (mid September – mid October), with 3 major events approximately every 2 weeks. Spawning patterns suggest lunar periodicity but shifted between colonies kept Oocytes were positively buoyant developed into swimming larvae after days. Settlement trials substrates like natural rock, CCA, gorgonian skeleton, showed behaviour testing two weeks post-spawning, settlement activity continuing three months. Fully recruits observed month, sclerite production starting before tentacle development. New continued up months, indicating prolonged competency period. This study provides crucial data efforts ex situ vulnerable species.

Language: Английский

Reproductive phenology and sexual propagation of the pink sea fan Eunicella verrucosa Pallas, 1766 for coral restoration DOI Creative Commons
Christina Egger, Catarina Melo,

Brian J. Marquardt

et al.

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 28, 2025

Abstract The widespread decline of coral-dominated ecosystems due to human disturbances has highlighted the urgent need for active habitat restoration. Coral restoration using sexually produced individuals instead clonal fragments is essential reduce impacts on donor populations and promote genetic diversity, which vital adaptability environmental changes. However, most coral species, particularly those in temperate deep-water (> 50 m), critical knowledge reproduction larval ecology ex situ sexual propagation lacking. To address this gap, study, we provide first report spawning octocoral Eunicella verrucosa North-East Atlantic describe details development settlement. annual reproductive timing South-West Portugal was determined from samples collected as fisheries bycatch a single population source monitored comparison across distinct durations conditions. species exhibited split-spawning over about one month (mid September – mid October), with 3 major events approximately every 2 weeks. Spawning patterns suggest lunar periodicity but shifted between colonies kept Oocytes were positively buoyant developed into swimming larvae after days. Settlement trials substrates like natural rock, CCA, gorgonian skeleton, showed behaviour testing two weeks post-spawning, settlement activity continuing three months. Fully recruits observed month, sclerite production starting before tentacle development. New continued up months, indicating prolonged competency period. This study provides crucial data efforts ex situ vulnerable species.

Language: Английский

Citations

0