Coral hybrids

[ml708]

In recent years, due to the decrease in parent colonies of elk horn and stag horn corals, there has been an increase in hybrid formation between the two species due to a smaller chance of fertilisation between the same species and an increase in cross fertilisation. These happen to be viable hybrids.

I was wondering if hybrid corals are produced artificially for aquariums, potentially producing new and beautiful species.

 

[OrionN]

Do you have any references on the above?
Sexual reproduction of coral in aquarium have not happened yet so the answer is no.

 

[ml708]

Do you have any references on the above?
Sexual reproduction of coral in aquarium have not happened yet so the answer is no.

http://www.sciencefriday.com/blogs/...-the-week-fused-staghorn-coral.html?series=31

I heard of some research done where gametes of corals from the wild were collected and attempted to be grown out in a closed system, but have no idea if it was successful.

And ORA is witnessing gamete release in their corals on a regular basis. Hopefully sexual reproduction will be just a step away!

 

[knukles55]

Interesting find good read glad it's happening in my own backyard