Reproductive Biology of Madracis Decactis (Lyman, 1859) (Cnidaria, Scleractinia) from Southern Bahia Reefs, Brazil

Resumen

The reproductive biology of the scleractinian coral Madracis decactis (Lyman, 1859) was studied in southern Bahia reefs, the most extensive and richest reef areas of the South Atlantic. Madracis decactis is one of the most widespread zooxanthellate corals in Brazil and can be found at the edges of the reefs on exposed or cryptic areas. The objective of this study was to investigate patterns of the sexual reproduction of M. decactis. Information about sexuality, gonad arrangement, mode of development, gametogenesis and temporal patterns of the reproductive cycle were obtained using histological procedures. The results showed that M. decactis is a hermaphroditic species and probably presents a brooding mode of development in southern Bahia reefs. Reproductive cycle is annual and lasts about four months. Female and male gametes started to develop at different times, with spermaries appearing in approximately the second month of oogenesis and lasting about two months. Gametogenesis started on the summer onset (December) and was complete at early autumn (April). Mature gametes were not present in samples collected between the end of March and April. Evidences suggested that fecundation, embryogenesis and the possible planulae release occurred within this period, of approximately one month.