Abstract
The solitary, free-living coralDiaseris distorta (Michelin) (Fungiidae, Scleractinia) reproduces asexually by fragmentation along radially oriented slits. Localized skeletal dissolution, which can be recognized as white, opaque and chalky lines along the thecal wall between segments, ultimately results in autotomy. We suggest that the skeletal dissolution which dissolves the weakest part of the corallum for easy breakage, is a species-specific character.
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Yamashiro, H., Nishihira, M. Radial skeletal dissolution to promote vegetative reproduction in a solitary coralDiaseris distorta. Experientia 50, 497–498 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01920756
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01920756