Number and size of eggs found in five different branches from a single Antillogorgia americana from a study site in the San Blas Islands, Panama from July 1990 to August 1991

The reproductive biology of the branching octocoral Antillogorgia americana was studied at a site on the Caribbean coast of Panama in 1990-1991. Eleven colonies were tagged and monthly samples were collected over a 14-month period. Colonies were gonochoric and the samples included 6 females and 4 females. Ten polyps were examined from each sample and the number and size of gonads were determined. An additional 4 branches were sampled from a female colony in January 1991 and fecundity was determined relative to the branch, position of branchlet on the branch, and position of the polyp on the branchlet. The lack of synchrony among colonies on the scale of months may reflect less need for all colonies to spawn in a single event among abundant species that release large numbers of gametes. Such a strategy also spreads the risk of reproductive failure due to environmental conditions during any single month. Multiple spawning episodes can also drive reproductive isolation of populations and may reflect the presence of cryptic species within the taxon. Studies of reproductive timing can be an important adjunct in identifying variation in life history strategies as well as assessing the validity of species boundaries.

This dataset describes branch variation, including the number and size of eggs found in five different branches from a single Antillogorgia americana. Ten polyps were sampled from four branchlets and two positions on the branchlets of each branch.