Larval development of a tropical zoanthid (Protopalythoasp.)

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Abstract
For the first time the embryology and larval development, from spawning to settlement, are described for a zoanthid. The externally fertilized eggs of Protopalythoa sp. contain zooxanthellae and develop by radial cleavage to produce a hollow blastula. Gastrula formation takes place by a mechanism similar to invagination and proceeds by a flattening of the blastula followed by progressive concave/convex deformation.—After two weeks the larvae have developed to the stage of zoanthella, and are able to settle after 17 to 19 days.