Research progress on sexual reproduction of scleractinian corals

Cui Mengyao; Wei Fen; Yu Kefu

doi:10.12284/hyxb2025134

Volume 47 Issue 11

Nov. 2025

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Cui Mengyao，Wei Fen，Yu Kefu. Research progress on sexual reproduction of scleractinian corals[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(11)：13–26 doi: 10.12284/hyxb2025134

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Cui Mengyao，Wei Fen，Yu Kefu. Research progress on sexual reproduction of scleractinian corals[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(11)：13–26 doi: 10.12284/hyxb2025134

Citation:

Cui Mengyao，Wei Fen，Yu Kefu. Research progress on sexual reproduction of scleractinian corals[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(11)：13–26 doi: 10.12284/hyxb2025134

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Research progress on sexual reproduction of scleractinian corals

doi: 10.12284/hyxb2025134

Cui Mengyao^1
,,
Wei Fen^{1
,
,},
Yu Kefu^{1, 2
,
,}

1.
Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea/Coral Reef Research Center of China/School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
2.
Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 519080, China

Received Date: 2025-07-29
Rev Recd Date: 2025-09-30

Available Online: 2025-10-20

Publish Date: 2025-11-30

Abstract

Abstract

Sexual reproduction in scleractinian corals is a fundamental biological process that sustains the structure and function of coral reef ecosystems. It directly determines population dynamics and genetic diversity, thereby playing a crucial role in the stability and evolution of coral reefs. This review summarizes recent advances in the study of coral sexual reproduction, including: (1) reproductive strategies, (2) gonadal development, (3) spawning and fertilization, (4) embryogenesis, (5) larval settlement, and (6) juvenile development. Current research indicates that coral sexual reproduction is jointly regulated by endogenous biological mechanisms and exogenous environmental factors; however, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying these processes remain largely unclear. Future studies should focus on elucidating the environmental regulation of spawning timing, mechanisms inducing larval settlement, establishment and plasticity of early symbiotic relationships, and the development of molecular-assisted breeding strategies for selecting thermotolerant coral strains.
- scleractinian corals,
- sexual reproduction,
- gonadal development,
- spawning and fertilization,
- embryogenesis,
- larval settlement

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References(157)

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