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The reproductive biology of two deep-water, reef-building scleractinians from the NE Atlantic Ocean

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Abstract

The reproductive ecology of colonies of Lophelia pertusa (Linné 1758) and Madrepora oculata Linné (1758) from the Porcupine Seabight (Thérèse Mound and South Porcupine Seabight site) and the Darwin Mounds (NE Rockall Trough—L. pertusa only) was investigated using histological techniques. Samples of L. pertusa exhibited seasonal reproduction, whereas the evidence for M. oculata is equivocal but suggests multiple cohorts of gamete production. L. pertusa produces a single cohort of around 3,000 oocytes, whereas M. oculata produces two cohorts, with a total fecundity of around 60 oocytes. The maximum observed oocyte size in L. pertusa was 140 μm and in M. oculata was 405 μm. From these oocyte sizes and the timing of reproduction, a lecithotrophic larva is expected, though not observed. This seasonality of reproduction fits with the phytodetrital food fall occurring around July in the Seabight area. L. pertusa was found to be non-reproductive at the Darwin Mound site. Though unable to be specifically tested, this may suggest that the increased trawling activity in this area might be keeping colonies below sexually viable sizes, as seen in numerous shallow water situations. All areas in the NE Atlantic are coming under threat from increased fishing and commercial exploration practices. This study shows that these highly seasonal reproducers could be sensitive to these fishing operations and care must be taken so as not to repeat the destruction that has occurred on shallower reefs.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the European Union ‘Atlantic Coral Ecosystem Study’ Contract No. EVK3-CT1999-00008. For sample collection we would like to thank Dave Billet, the Captains and crew of the RRS Discovery and Monty Priede for allowing us time and space on his cruises. We would also like to thank Bruce Hatcher and anonymous reviewers for useful comments and suggestions that greatly improved this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MS No. 33, 2-14 Redfield, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA

    Rhian G. Waller

  2. Southampton Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK

    Paul A. Tyler

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  1. Rhian G. Waller
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  2. Paul A. Tyler
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Correspondence to Rhian G. Waller.

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Waller, R.G., Tyler, P.A. The reproductive biology of two deep-water, reef-building scleractinians from the NE Atlantic Ocean. Coral Reefs 24, 514–522 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-005-0501-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-005-0501-7

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