What size of coral colonies is recommended for larval collection?

Choosing coral colonies that are at least 30 cm in diameter for larval collection is recommended due to several reasons. Larger colonies generally have greater reproductive capacity, featuring more mature and abundant gametes. This increased maturity leads to a higher likelihood of successful spawning events, which is crucial for effective larval collection.

Additionally, larger colonies are often healthier and more established, allowing for better viability of the larvae produced. This size threshold also helps ensure that the colonies are capable of sustaining the local population dynamics and maintaining genetic diversity in the reef ecosystem.

Smaller corals may not produce enough gametes or may not spawn successfully, resulting in insufficient larval recruitment, which is vital for restoration efforts. As such, selecting colonies of at least 30 cm supports the goals of coral restoration by maximizing the chances of obtaining viable larvae for propagation and replenishment of coral populations.