A coral planula is essentially a coral larva, formed when a coral egg and sperm join together as an embryo. These planulae are free-floating in the ocean.
Here's a breakdown of what a coral planula is and its role in the coral lifecycle:
- Formation: It's the larval stage of a coral, developing after fertilization.
- Mobility: Planulae float in the ocean.
- Duration: They float for days or weeks, depending on the species.
- Settlement: Eventually, the planula drops to the ocean floor.
- Development: After settling, a planula can metamorphose into a coral polyp and begin building a new coral colony.
In short, the planula is a crucial stage in coral reproduction and dispersal, allowing corals to populate new areas and recover from disturbances.
