Sexual Reproduction of the Brazilian Reef Coral Siderastrea stellata Verrill 1868 (anthozoa, Scleractinia)

In the present study, the reproductive characteristics of the Brazilian endemic coral Siderastrea stellata Verrill, 1868 were determined for the Abrolhos Reef Complex (18°S) and Búzios (23°S). The reproductive pattern and mode of reproduction, sex ratio, gametogenesis and spawning season were determined by histological examination. Siderastrea stellata was found to be a gonochoric brooder and oogenesis lasted approximately ten months. Spawning occurred during February through the mid-March in the Abrolhos Reef Complex, and December to early January in Búzios. Sea temperature is most likely the major factor influencing the gametogenesis of this species and this latitudinal variation was probably related to the upwelling that occurs on Búzios during the summer. Oocyte and larval characteristics indicated a relatively short dispersion phase such that larvae settle near the parent habitat. These data may be useful for improving conservation and management policies for Brazilian coral reefs.