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Sexual reproduction, development and larval biology in scleractinian corals

A review

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Abstract

This paper brings together widely scattered information on sexual reproduction in scleractinian corals. It includes a review of information and ideas on sex determination, gametogenesis, gametogenic cycles, fertilization and embryonic development, spawning and planula release, larval behavior, settlement and metamorphosis. The review deals with corals from different habitats and organismic assemblages, including tropical reef corals, temperate water corals, solitary and colonial forms. A summary table of coral species and their known reproductive characteristics is presented.

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  1. Center for Coastal Marine Studies, University of California, 95064, Santa Cruz, California, USA

    Yusef H. Fadlallah

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Fadlallah, Y.H. Sexual reproduction, development and larval biology in scleractinian corals. Coral Reefs 2, 129–150 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00336720

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