Reproduction of the gorgonian Plexaura flexuosa in Bermuda

This study examined geographically based differences in reproductive biology of Plexaura flexuosa, a gonochoric broadcasting gorgonian that is abundant across the tropical and subtropical Western Atlantic. Gametogenesis, spawning, and per polyp fecundity-colony height ratios were assessed in Bermuda and then compared with existing studies of populations in the Bahamas, Florida, and the Caribbean and in conjunction with analyses of mean sea surface temperature (MSST) at these locales. Differences documented in the Bermudian population include: lag in onset of spermary development and completion of oogenesis as compared to southern populations; later spawning that occurred over fewer days; and lack of correlation between fecundity polyp− 1 and colony height. These findings suggest that important differences occur in major reproductive events between the distantly separated northern-most populations of P. flexuosa found in Bermuda compared with more tropical populations of this species. Such population-level variability in life history characteristics needs to be incorporated into approaches for conservation planning efforts.