Sun coral spawning

[jerry h]

Hi
As I post this my sun coral is releasing eggs, [one every 5-10 seconds]. Unfortunately my clowns are intercepting most of them. Are these eggs viable? I have seen pics of peoples baby sun corals, would these be results of spawning or division?
I have tried photographing this but the camera is not up to it [or im not].
Eggs are light brown and about 1mm in diameter.
Any thoughts much appreciated.
Regards
Jerry.

[evilervin]

Hi Jerry,

I dont know what species you have, but chances are its either T. coccinea or, T. faulkneri. (most common yellow sun corals sold).

Both of the above species are brooding corals and what you may of witnessed is the release of planulae larvae.
Did it look somethimg like this:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f46/evilervin/gog_dan_pan_sm.jpg

Planulae larvae is produced when a male polyp is triggered into releasing sperm, by chemical messages given out by a female polyp. This sperm then swims into the female where it meets ‘her’ egg and the process of internal fertilisation begins.
The resulting larva is formed with-in the female (known as brooding) and when developed its released from the polyp and becomes 'free swimming'.... infact there crap swimmers:whistling:.

When the larvae, which is approximately 1.6mm at longest point (there slightly pear shaped), settles upon a rock, etc, it will quickly turn into a tiny polyp (or two) and begin laying down a new skeleton. From this point the polyp is able to bud and divide, creating an entirely new colony.



IF any escaped your fish, skimmer etc you will soon see tiny yellow dots in the tank... and as an add bonus, to help are id the parrent species Tubastraea coccinea larvae develops in a single polyp and, Tubastraea faulkneri larvae develops into two polyps.



HTH
Roger

[jerry h]

Hi Roger
Your photo is spot on [pity I cant take them like that]. Thankyou for such indepth information, I shall keep an eye out for offspring.
Well done with the black sun coral, I would like to get one myself one day.
Once again, thankyou professor.
Regards
Jerry

[evilervin]

Hi Jerry,

Your photo is spot on [pity I cant take them like that]
The photo is by Daniela Stettler, a Swiss Tubstraea nut.
this is her tank::wub::dribble::wub::dribble:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/gog_dj.jpg

Thankyou for such indepth information
No worries, glad to be a some help.

I shall keep an eye out for offspring
I hope you've at least got one. I love watching the offspring develop.

Well done with the black sun coral
Cheers. I'm still unbeliveably exstatic that its spawned.

Once again, thankyou professor
:o:o:o more of a freak with an unhealthy obsession.

Roger