Reversible metamorphosis in coral planula larvae
- 1 January 1985
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Inter-Research Science Center in Marine Ecology Progress Series
- Vol. 22 (2) , 181-185
- https://doi.org/10.3354/meps022181
Abstract
When planktonic planula larvae of the scleractinian coral Pocillopora damicornis settle, they secrete a calcareous exoskeleton for substrate attachment and metamorphose into a benthic polyp complete with mouth, tentacles, and mesenteries. If these polyps are stressed within 3 days of settlement, they can retract all tissue from the skeleton and revert to a mottle planktonic form resembling the initial larval stage. These secondary larvae are capable of resettling and once again metamorphosing into a benthic polyp. Also, planulae may undergo a pelagic metamorphosis to a planktonic polyp with mouth and tentacles. This developmental plasticity permits an enhanced microhabitat selection ability, and has likely contributed to the broad dispersal of this pan-Pacific species.This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- Polyp Bail-Out: An Escape Response to Environmental Stress and a New Means of Reproduction in CoralsMarine Ecology Progress Series, 1982