What happens to embryos after a few days post-fertilization?

After a few days post-fertilization, coral embryos undergo significant development, leading them to form free-swimming larvae. This process is crucial for coral reproduction and ensures that the larvae can disperse and colonize new areas, which is essential for coral reef growth and resilience. The free-swimming larvae, often referred to as planulae, are adapted to survive in the pelagic ocean environment for a period, allowing them to drift away from their parent colony before settling down.

This stage is vital for expanding coral populations and maintaining genetic diversity within coral reefs. The ability of the larvae to swim also helps them find suitable substrates for attachment and growth, laying the foundation for new coral colonies in suitable environments.