Patterns in the mass spawning of corals on the Great Barrier Reef from 1981 to 1984

摘要: The mass spawning of corals, at an "inshore" reef in the central Great Barrier Reef Province, has consistently occurred during week following October full moon, past 4 years. One annual period was observed when moon fell second half October. In contrast, split, 2 years first (two periods separated by 1 lunar month). Three data, "offshore" approximately same latitude, confirm that offshore occurs exactly one month later than "inshorel" period. In 1984, a documented for 25 scleractinian species which had not been studied previous periods. cumulative number on now totals 133 (total nLlllber = 356). comparison, other studies have found 14 planulate or spawn only times year. mode release reproductive products 12 15 families. Faviidae, Oculinidae, Mussidae, and Pectiniidae so far contain species. Acroporidae is largest family, to date, 88% period. It therefore likely majority corals participate phenomenon. A preliminary analysis rhythms presented. Lunar diel light cycles identified as zeitgebers synchrony. Variation synodic months between indicates endogenous rhythm, if present, must interact with cycle. Such interaction would maintain within relatively constrained environmental limits, result reasonably precise seasonality spawning.