title: Reproduction, abundance and survivorship of two Alveopora spp. in the mesophotic reefs of Eilat, Red Sea.
abstract: Although the study of coral reproduction has advanced tremendously over the last few decades, a particular gap exists in our knowledge of the reproductive modes of corals from 'mesophotic coral ecosystems' (MCEs) found at 30-150 m depth. Here, we report for the first time on the reproductive patterns, living cover, and survivorship under different light treatments of two scleractinian species from the MCEs of Eilat, Red-Sea: Alveopora allingi and A. ocellata. Both species are found exclusively within MCEs and are high in both abundance and relative cover. These species display a synchronous gametogenic cycles with consecutive oocyte growth and development. Peak of reproductive activity occurs in late summer (September-October), typified by accelerated oocyte growth, coinciding with the rise in seawater temperature. Estimates of fecundity show mean monthly maxima of 48.5 ± 26.3 and 23.5 ± 11.8 (Mean ± SE) oocytes per cm(2) for A. allingi and A. ocellata respectively, prior to spawning. A comparison of light and temperature regimes in the shallow vs. MCE environments is presented, and the response of these species to changes in these parameters is discussed. A call encouraging the much-needed studies on the sexuality and reproductive modes of MCE coral species is expressed.
authors: Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.|The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, P.O. Box 469, Eilat 8810369, Israel.
authors: Lee
authors: L
authors: Eyal-Shaham
authors: Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.|The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, P.O. Box 469, Eilat 8810369, Israel.
authors: Gal
authors: G
authors: Eyal
authors: The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, P.O. Box 469, Eilat 8810369, Israel.|Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel.
authors: Raz
authors: R
authors: Tamir
authors: Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
authors: Yossi
authors: Y
authors: Loya
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa; D057894:Coral Reefs; D017753:Ecosystem; D005298:Fertility; D005718:Gametogenesis; D019156:Indian Ocean; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D012098:Reproduction; D012623:Seawater; D015996:Survival Rate; D013696:Temperature