Sexual reproduction in the coral Pocillopora verrucosa (Cnidaria : Scleractinia) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The mode of reproduction in Pocillopora verrucosa Ellis and Solander, 1786 varies between geographically isolated regions. This scleractinian coral is common along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, and its reproductive mode and period of reproduction were assessed using histological preparations. The study w as undertaken from 1992 to 1994 and showed that P. verrucosa is a simultane ous hermaphrodite and broadcast spawner in KwaZulu-Natal. Gametogenesis occ urs from October to January, with the gametes maturing simultaneously so th at spawning can be synchronised at new moon in January (mid-summer). Zooxan thellae are present in the mature oocytes.