“Very Rare!” Coral Spawning During Neap Tide Night-time Broadcast Spawning in a Tank at Churaumi Aquarium

“Very Rare!” Coral Spawning During Neap Tide Night-time Broadcast Spawning in a Tank at Churaumi Aquarium

Spawning observed at The Coral Sea.


June 4, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

Motobu – On the night of May 31, coral spawning was confirmed at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu. Approximately 70 species of coral are housed in the aquarium’s Coral Sea tank. Corals spawn every year between May and June, right around the time of the spring tides. This year, however, the corals spawned during neap tide. Tides, water temperature, and weather are among the factors believed to impact when corals spawn. Fumihiko Nagata, who is part of the fish team and is in charge of the coral exhibit, says “Spawning during neap tide has happened a few times in the past, but it’s very rare.”

Capsules containing eggs and sperm, called bundles, are released. (Photographs provided by Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium)

Including June 2002, when the aquarium was preparing to open, spawning has taken place at the aquarium for 19 consecutive years. Primarily, it is two species of staghorn coral (Acropora microphthalma and Acropora acuminata), which make up about 60 of the 450 colonies in the exhibit tank and are found in the waters around Okinawa.

During spawning season, aquarium staff observe the coral every night. This year, pink capsules containing sperm and eggs, called “bundles,” were released into the water over the course of one hour, starting at 10:30 p.m. on May 31.

The newly-born coral larvae will be exhibited for between three days and one week. Nagata says, “I hope aquarium guests feel a close connection with the seas of Okinawa.”

(English translation by T&CT and Ellen Huntley)

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