Reproductive biology of the octocoral, Plumarella flabellata, from the artificial habitats of the Persian Gulf

The octocorals are morphologically and geographically different type of corals facing little information about their reproductive biology. In this regard, the present study aimed to assess the reproductive biology of octocoral (Plumarella flabellata) collected from the artificial habitats in the northwest of the Persian Gulf, Iran. Colony samples with different sizes were collected to identify the correlation between the size of colony and its sexual maturity. Gonads only were observed in the colonies larger than 15 cm height. Furthermore, both male and female gonads were detected along with mesenteries of P. flabellata and this species was considered to be a hermaphrodite species. None of samples were contained planulae; therefore, P. flabellata collected from the Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf seems to be a broadcast spawner. The gonads were at the same developmental stages in all samples collected in the same season. Based on the results, this species spawn possibly during July-August when the water temperature and photoperiod are higher. The present study revealed that considerably high reproductive potential of P. flabellate supports its domination in the artificial reef in northwest of the Persian Gulf.