Reproduction in the coral acropora

Abstract

The speciose reef coral Acropora spp. has synchronous spawning. Many of its congeners spawn at the same time; hence, gametes of the different species mix in the water column. Nevertheless, the different species are generally reproductively isolated, although introgressive hybridization has been reported for several congeners. The complex reproductive isolation mechanisms in Acropora species depend on spawning synchronisms and gamete recognition at fertilization. The reticulate evolution that results from introgressive hybridization in Acropora is thought to be related to speciation in the genus. In this chapter, we introduce reproductive isolation in Acropora, focusing on spawning synchronization, regulation of sperm motility, gamete-species recognition, and the potential for hybridization in nature.