Coral Spawning — The Ocean's Greatest Event
Quick Fact
During coral spawning, a single reef can release billions of egg-sperm bundles in a single night — the ocean turns pink with the density of reproductive material.
About This Species
Once a year, triggered by the full moon and rising water temperatures, coral reefs around the world release billions of eggs and sperm bundles simultaneously in a spectacular mass spawning event. The synchronisation is extraordinary — entire reef systems spawn within the same few hours, maximising the chance of fertilisation. The fertilised eggs develop into free-swimming larvae that drift in the plankton before settling on the reef and growing into new coral polyps. Coral spawning is essential for reef recovery and genetic diversity.
Why It Matters
Coral spawning is the primary mechanism by which reefs recover from bleaching events and physical damage. Rising ocean temperatures are disrupting spawning cues, threatening the reef's ability to regenerate.