Maze Coral Spawning (Meandrina meandrites)
Bonaire, October 24th 2017 18:36 pm - 18:56 pm
At the beginning of coral spawning season, in August of 2017, Carmabi Marine Research Station posted their coral spawning predictions as they do every year. They also posted a note that caught my attention.
“Note also that many coral species are not listed here as their spawning times are currently unknown. Diving outside the time periods mentioned above, would thus likely contribute to observations on such species (e.g., Dichocoenia stokesi, Meandrina meandrites). Observations (and pictures) are highly welcomed!”
I had seen both species spawning back in 2008 and had some photos of Dichocoenia stokesi spawning (which I sent to Carmabi) but didn’t realize there was no data on Meandrina meandrites and hadn’t taken any photos of it.
I was thrilled to see Maze Corals spawning this year (2017) and was able to get some photos. Citizen science marches on. :)
Scientists in Curacao were also able to document Dichocoenia stokesi spawning on multiple evenings in 2017.