Fertilization processes, larval phase and ex situ post-settlement survivalprocesses of three reef-building species from the Colombian Caribbean
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25268/ctezrv35Keywords:
early development, seeding units, coral recruitment, crustose coralline algaeAbstract
Coral reefs have experienced declines in their cover; therefore, restoration strategies through sexual reproduction are relevant because they generate genetic variability y promote coral recruitment. Gametes were collected during the September y October 2025 reproductive events for the species Colpophyllia natans, in May for Diploria labyrinthiformis, y in October for Pseudodiploria strigosa. Assisted fertilization was performed in the laboratory, y embryonic y larval development was documented. Subsequently, the settlement of larvae exposed to different types of substrates previously conditioned with crustose coralline algae was monitored. Finally, post-settlement survival was estimated by individual polyp counts per substrate type in two phases: laboratory y external tanks. Nine developmental stages were documented for D. labyrinthiformis y P. strigosa, y 12 for C. natans. D. labyrinthiformis showed the highest number of settled larvae (21,172), followed by C. natans (5,398 in September y 932 in October) y P. strigosa (226), with variable settlement rates among substrates. The highest mortality was observed in the laboratory, while mortality decreased for all three species when transferred to external tanks, indicating that improved experimental system conditions increased survival rates in ex situ conditions.
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