This study constitutes the first report of the gametogenic cycle of the scleractinian coralsSolenastrea bournoniandStephanocoenia intersepta. Tissue samples were collected near Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA between July 2008 and November 2009 and processed for histological examination in an effort to determine reproductive mode and potential spawning times. BothS. bournoniandS. interseptaare gonochoric, broadcast spawning species. Gametogenesis ofS. bournonibegan in April or May whileS. interseptahad a much longer oogenic cycle that began in December with spermatogenesis beginning in July. Though spawning was not observedin situ, spawning was inferred from the decrease of late stage gametes in histological samples. In addition, histological observations of oocyte resorption and released spermatozoa were used to corroborate spawning times. Data indicate thatS. bournonispawns in September whileS. interseptaspawns after the full moon in late August or early September.
The gametogenic cycle and spawning of the mussel Brachidontes pharaonis (Fischer, 1876) (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) from Alexandria Coast, Egypt
