A newly discovered method of reproduction in gorgonian coral

Abstract

The unbranched sea-whip Junceella fragilis reproduces vegetatively by autotomy of colony ends. Polyps and coenenchyme tissue are resorbed at a subterminal point where the axial core breaks to release a daughter colony. This is capable of attachment to the substrate at either end which results in colonies having either upward-or downward-faclng polyp verrucae. Large colonies have a higher frequency of reproductive autotomy than small colonies although daughter colony length is largely independent of parent colony size. The process of asexual reproduction gives rise to clumps of J. fragilis with a density of up to 300 colonies m-' at sites along the Great Barrier Reef.