Sexual dimorphism in corallite size and modularity of a broadcast spawning coral, Porites lobata

Differences in selective pressures and the energetic cost of gametes gonochoristic corals should vary with sex colony, which may lead to sexual dimorphism. Coral colonies are composed subunits (corallites) that create a complex morphological architecture. If corallite features distinct between sexes, then degree coordinated change among these also (phenotypic modularity). This study tested for dimorphism corallites reef-building coral Porites lobata , gonochoric broadcast spawner, compared this previously demonstrated its congener P. panamensis brooder. Corallite area was 17% larger males than females (p < 0.05). Phenotypic modularity analysis showed integration skeletal traits differs sexes both . In higher trait males, while opposite pattern observed Our results demonstrate differentiate suggest between-sex differences reproductive mode.