Patterns of variation in recruitment and post-recruitment processes of the Mediterranean precious gorgonian coral Corallium rubrum

► C. rubrum is an overexploited Mediterranean species in need of management. ► The early life-history of this precious species is largely unknown. ► We examined recruitment, early mortality and colony growth in 3 geographic areas. ► We found 2-3 fold higher colony growth rates in the first years of colony life. ► Different early population dynamics are at work in different geographic areas.