Histological; Mode and Timing Reproduction Studies of Pocillopora verrucosa in the Red Sea

Abstract

At the study site, the lowest mean of seawater temperature is 24.5°C December 2010 to November 2011, while the maximum mean of seawater temperature was 33°C during summer.

   The mode of reproduction in Pocillopora verrucosa vary between geographically isolated regions. This scleractinian coral is common along the Red Sea coast, and its reproductive mode and period of reproduction were assessed using histological preparation. The study was undertaken from December 2010 to November 2011. Sexual reproduction of the scleractinian corals Pocillopora verrucosa was studied for a period of one year in Sharm Ubhur. Pocillopora verrucosa is  hermaphrodite broadcaster spawner with external larval developments, Embryos of species was  not observed at the histological sections stadies. They has very short annual cycle of gematogenesis. The onset of reproductive period of Pocillopora verrucosa was found to be limited (March to May). The number of eggs and testes observed in this period the gonads were found in the polyps. The Pocillopora verrucosa egg size was ranged from  26.2 µm (in March) to 152.0  µm (in May). Zooxanthellae was presented in the mature oocytes in Pocillopora verrucosa.