Interspecific gamete compatibility and hybrid larval fitness in reef-building corals: Implications for coral reef restoration | JoVE Visualize

Interspecific gamete compatibility and hybrid larval fitness in reef-building corals: Implications for coral reef restoration

Wing Yan Chan^1,2, Lesa M Peplow³, Madeleine J H van Oppen^3,4

¹Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville MC, QLD, 4810, Australia. w.chan@aims.gov.au.

Scientific Reports|March 22, 2019

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Interspecific hybridization in Acropora corals may enhance climate resilience. Hybrid coral larvae exhibit similar or greater fitness than purebreds under heat stress, offering a promising restoration tool.

Area of Science:

Marine Biology
Coral Reef Ecology
Conservation Genetics

Background:

Climate warming drives global coral reef decline.
Active reef restoration is crucial for ecosystem recovery.
Augmenting coral stock for climate resilience is key for restoration success.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if interspecific hybridization can enhance coral climate resilience through hybrid vigour.
To assess cross-fertility and gametic compatibility among Acropora species.
To compare the fitness of hybrid and purebred coral larvae under thermal stress.

Main Methods:

Assessed cross-fertility of four Acropora species pairs from the Great Barrier Reef.
Examined gametic incompatibility and temporal isolation of gamete release.
Compared survival and settlement success of hybrid and purebred larvae at 28°C, 29.5°C, and 31°C for 10 days.

Main Results:

Limited temporal isolation but varying gametic incompatibility observed between Acropora species.
Majority of hybrid larvae showed similar or higher fitness (survival, settlement) compared to purebreds under heat stress.
Lower fertilization success in hybrids did not negatively impact larval fitness.

Conclusions:

Interspecific hybridization can overcome prezygotic barriers and yield high hybrid coral fitness.
Hybrid vigour offers a potential strategy to enhance coral recruitment and climate resilience for reef restoration.
This approach provides a novel option for delivering climate-resilient coral stock for reef restoration.