Horsehoe Reef has one of the most impressive elkhorn stands around. Before I developed genetic markers we tried many times to cross the sperm and eggs from these colonies and didn’t get larvae. Only after using the genetic markers, I found out that all these colonies are genetically identical – they are clonemates. And clonemates don’t fertilize each others gametes. Nevertheless, this giant clone produces astonishing amounts of eggs and sperm. Literally, we have collected buckets full of spawn from here. One does wonder if all those gametes go to waste each year because there are no suitable partners nearby. The next reef with elkhorn coral is pretty far away for a tiny egg or sperm in a big ocean. The Horseshoe clone might be pretty lonesome. Shall we plant a partner nearby? Or is that inferring too much? Are we desperate yet or is this species going to survive without our intervention?
Lauri Mac, a long time coral researchers with the Florida Keys Sanctuary has as much experience with coral spawning as anybody around. She went to Horseshoe on the 24th and saw massive spawning. I went back with her tonight to check if there would be more spawning and also to see if the staghorn colonies she had discovered nearby are big enough yet to spawn as well. Some elkhorn corals did release a few bundles but staghorns did not. Other reefs did though and Andie saw her first elkhorn spawn at Elbow Reef!
We are taking a break from diving on the 26th. Back in the water on the 27th for the star corals (Oribcella, formerly known as Montastraea).
– Iliana