From isolated ramets to coral colonies: the significance of colony patternformation in reef restoration practices

Fragmentation in scleractinian corals has been recognized as an important f acet in the life history portrait of many species. Fragments (ramets) isola ted from existing genets may establish new colonies; a phenomenon that is w idely used in a variety of management measures, including restoration of de nuded coral reef areas. An analysis of regenerating branches of the Indo-Pa cific coral Stylophora pistillata reveals that the architectural complexity of isolated branches may have a significant impact on the initiation of th e regeneration process towards the typical structure and complexity of an i ntact colony. It is suggested that the 3-D structure complexity of isolated ramets should be taken into consideration when applying reef restoration p ractices.