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Seasonal, lunar, and diel patterns in spawning by the giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta

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Abstract

Temporal patterns in giant barrel sponge (Xestospongia muta) spawning were compiled from 32 observations spanning 17 years and three Caribbean locations (Florida, Belize, and Haiti). The records were analyzed for patterns in seasonality, lunar periodicity, and diel rhythm to develop a predictive spawning window. Results indicate that spawning is concentrated from mid-April to late May. Most spawning events occurred around the first quarter moon; a smaller pulse occurred just before the third quarter moon. All spawning events were observed in the morning and fell within 779–987 min of the previous night’s sunset. Eggs of X. muta were all negatively buoyant and blanketed the areas within and surrounding the sponge; this limited gamete dispersal may be the driver behind heavily localized genetic retention.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the contributors of spawning observations including J. Pawlik, S. McMurray, C. Walter, K. Maxwell, P. Darche, E. Bartels, J. Renchen, D. Morley, G. Renchen, J.E. Hart, N. McIntyre, M. Bollinger, L. Carne, C. Lewis, V. McDonough, N. McIntyre, M. Miller, N. Dancho, and Jupiter Dive Center. We thank J. Butler, J. Stein, G. Delgado, and B. Crowder for their insightful comments on the manuscript and also J. Pawlik and two anonymous reviewers for their suggestions and revisions.

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  1. Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 N Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL, 33004, USA

    K. L. Neely

  2. Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2796 Overseas Highway, Suite 119, Marathon, FL, 33050, USA

    C. B. Butler

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  1. K. L. Neely
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Correspondence to K. L. Neely.

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Neely, K.L., Butler, C.B. Seasonal, lunar, and diel patterns in spawning by the giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta. Coral Reefs 39, 1511–1515 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-020-02009-2

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