Occasional loss of fecundity in peripheral coral populations. Issue 1 (28th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suzuki, Go; Kadota, Tatsuru; Yatsuya, Kousuke; Muko, Soyoka; Arakaki, Seiji; Kiyomoto, Setuo; Yoshimura, Taku
• Is Part Of: Ecological research. Volume 36:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 128
• Publication Date: 2020-09-28
• Subjects: Acropora -- non‐reefal -- phenology -- simultaneous spawning -- temperate corals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Japan -- Periodicals; Écologie; Japon; Ecology; Japan; Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12177
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0912-3814

Abstract

Abstract: Reproductive ecology of scleractinian corals remains poorly known, particularly at the periphery of their distribution in temperate regions. However, understanding the reproductive mechanisms of these peripheral populations is important for assessing distributional changes such as poleward expansion in corals. Here, the reproductive status of two dominant Acropora coral species ( Acropora cf. glauca and A. solitaryensis ) was recorded over 8 years (2012–2019) to clarify annual changes in the fecundity of colonies and the timing of maturation at the periphery of their distribution. In addition, the hypothesis that the subsurface seawater temperature (S 3 T) affects the fecundity of Acropora corals was tested by examining the changes in ambient S 3 T and its effect on fecundity. As a result, the significant positive correlation between the average winter S 3 T (December–March) and fecundity was identified using a generalized linear model. The findings showed that temperate Acropora corals refrained from gametogenesis in the summer if average S 3 T during the previous winter was approximately 1°C lower than the long‐term average during 2006–2019 (i.e., <15°C), potentially limiting the distribution of coral populations. Abstract : The southern region of the Japanese Archipelago is the northern limit of the scleractinian coral distribution. This study revealed that two dominant Acropora corals in the northern limit region avoid gametogenesis if the average seawater temperature during the previous winter was low.