Coral Spawning - 2004

In the period to come the yearly “Coral Spawning” will take place. “Coral Spawning” is the phenomenon at which several coral species (but also other organisms) release their gonadal secretions into the water column at the same time under the influence of environmental circumstances such as water temperature and a very special position of the moon.

This phenomenon is a wonderful experience and all divers on Curacao can enjoy it. The scientists estimate the following time schedule for Curacao (12N69W):

Acropora palmata: Sep 4 &5: 21h15-22h00
Acropora cervicornis: Sep 4 &5: 21h00-22h00
Diploria labyrinthiformis: Sep 4-7 & Oct 3-6: 22h00-23h30
Diploria strigosa: Sep 17 18 22h00-23h 30;Oct 17 18 22h00-23h00
Montastraea cavernosa: Sep 4-6 & Oct 3-5: 21h00-23h00
Montastrea annularis s.l.(=complex): Sep 4-6 & Oct 3-5: 21h00-22h30
Eusmilia fastigiata: planulae likely visible between Sep 15 & Oct 31 in tentacles
Madracis senaria: Sep 4-6 & Oct 3-5: 22h00-23h00
Agaricia humilis: entire period Sep- Nov; but also during the rest of the year
Agaricia agaricites: entire period Sep-Nov
Stephanocoenia michelini: Sep 5-7 & Oct 4-6: 21h00-22h00

Remarks:
First of all has to be noticed that “Coral Spawing” is a a natural phenomenon and despite many years gained acquaintances there is always a chance that this phenomenon does not occur on the same place or time as divers are under water. However, it is not likely that a diver sees nothing but the spawning fierceness can vary enormously

Therefore it is important to pay attention permanently and to warn possible other divers very carefully when spawning occurs. See that you never touch the corals during euphoric movements that surely are being made while watching this wonder of nature. Remain relaxed, do not approach too close and keep an eye on surrounding presence of sperm and egg packages. Small amounts in the head of water mostly indicate that the real spawning will keep you waiting only a short time. During these nights it has no sense to go deeper than 25m. Most corals on this depth and deeper are larviparous throughout the year and they do not take part in spawning. Besides it restricts your underwater stay. Especially in the length of your dive the success of a good spawning evening is to be found. During the spawning predators will appear and they will hungrily swallow the wealth of food. Predators mostly are small sized fishes, octopus and jellyfish. Please, visit the CDOA website for checking the correct dive operators and their night dive activities, special offers and equipment.

The Above information is provided by
Dr. Mark Vermeij
Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (RSMAS/UM)
NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Science Center
75 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami, FL 33149 USA
E-mail:Mark.Vermeij@noaa.gov