摘要：The reproductive biology of the scleractinian coral Madracis decactis (Lyman, 1859) was studied in
southern Bahia reefs, the most extensive and richest reef areas of the South Atlantic. Madracis decactis is one of
the most widespread zooxanthellate corals in Brazil and can be found at the edges of the reefs on exposed or cryptic
areas. The objective of this study was to investigate patterns of the sexual reproduction of M. decactis. Information
about sexuality, gonad arrangement, mode of development, gametogenesis and temporal patterns of the reproductive
cycle were obtained using histological procedures. The results showed that M. decactis is a hermaphroditic species
and probably presents a brooding mode of development in southern Bahia reefs. Reproductive cycle is annual and
lasts about four months. Female and male gametes started to develop at different times, with spermaries appearing
in approximately the second month of oogenesis and lasting about two months. Gametogenesis started on the
summer onset (December) and was complete at early autumn (April). Mature gametes were not present in samples
collected between the end of March and April. Evidences suggested that fecundation, embryogenesis and the
possible planulae release occurred within this period, of approximately one month.
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