Reproduction strategies of stony corals (Scleractinia) in an equatorial, Indonesian coral reef. Contributions for the reef-restoration

Abstract

In the present dissertation the sexual and asexual reproduction-strategies of stony corals in an equatorial Indonesian coral reef will be examined. Special attention is applied to the seasonality of sexual reproduction through coral larvae in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.The first chapter of this work deals with the explanation of terms that are often used in context with the present topic.The second chapter deals with the settlement of coral larvae on artificial settlement tiles in a quantitative study.Chapter 3 is focusing on the reproduction strategy and cycles of four selected branching coral species (Seriatopora hystrix, Pocillopora verrucosa, Acropora yongei and Acropora pulchra) by histological examination of their tissues. The fourth and last chapter deals with the hypothesis of enhanced growth of coral fragments transplanted in and exposed to an electrical field.