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7880671 
Journal Article 
Sexual reproduction of the Brazilian reef coral Siderastrea stellata verrill 1868 (Anthozoa, scleractinia) 
De Barros, MML; Pires, DD; Castro, CBE 
2003 
Yes 
Bulletin of Marine Science
ISSN: 0007-4977
EISSN: 1553-6955 
73 
3 
713-724 
WOS:000220888300014 
In the present study, the reproductive characteristics of the Brazilian endemic coral Siderastrea stellata Verrill, 1868, were determined for the Abrolhos Reef Complex (18degreesS) and Buzios (23degreesS). 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 Buzios. 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 Buzios 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.