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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Life-history traits of Tubastraea coccinea: Reproduction, development, and larval competence

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Author(s):
Luz, Bruna L. P. [1, 2] ; Di Domenico, Maikon [2] ; Migotto, Alvaro E. [1] ; Kitahara, V, Marcelo
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] V, Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Marine Biol, Sao Sebastiao - Brazil
[2] V, Univ Fed Parana, Coastal & Ocean Syst Grad Program, Pontal Do Parana - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION; v. 10, n. 13, p. 6223-6238, JUL 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 4
Abstract

The sun coral Tubastraea coccinea Lesson, 1829 (Dendrophylliidae) is a widely distributed shallow-water scleractinian that has extended its range to non-native habitats in recent decades. With its rapid spread, this coral is now one of the main invasive species in Brazil. Its high invasive capability is related to opportunistic characteristics, including several reproductive strategies that have allowed it to disperse rapidly and widely. To better understand the reproductive biology of T. coccinea and aid in developing management strategies for invaded areas, we investigated aspects of its reproductive performance and life cycle, including the effects of colony size, seawater temperature and salinity, and lunar periodicity on offspring production and larval metamorphosis competence. A total of 18,139 offspring were released in different developmental stages, mainly from the larger colonies, which also produced larvae with longer competence periods. The main reproductive peak occurred during the First Quarter and New Moon phases and was highest in water temperatures around 26 degrees C. Together, these results help to explain the rapid expansion of T. coccinea into non-native habitats such as the Caribbean and southwestern Atlantic, and will inform actions of the recent Brazilian National Plan for the prevention, eradication, control, and monitoring of sun corals. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/50229-5 - Deep sea corals in the South Atlantic: new insights from an interdisciplinary study
Grantee:Marcelo Visentini Kitahara
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 14/01332-0 - Phylogenomics of the order Scleractinia (Cnidaria, Anthozoa): relationships between evolution and climate change
Grantee:Marcelo Visentini Kitahara
Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Young Investigators