Effects of elevated temperature on reproduction and larval settlement in Leptastrea purpurea

Abstract

As global ocean temperatures continue to rise, severe declines in coral reef health and diversity are reported on a global scale. Recovery of coral reefs relies on reproduction and increased rates of successful recruitment, which can vary tremendously across coral species. We investigated the effects of increased temperatures in the environment of parental colonies on larval production, size, settlement and survival, in the heat-resistant coral Leptastrea purpurea in Guam. Thanks to two tank experiments (eleven and four weeks, respectively) conducted over two consecutive years we found that larvae released by heat-treated parents (30 °C) were significantly smaller in size but greater in number, had normal settlement behavior and increased post-settlement survival rates compared to those released by control parent colonies (28 °C). We conclude that changes in the environment of parental L. purpurea colonies trigger an anticipatory maternal effect which leads to the release of preconditioned larvae with an increased chance of survival.