Dataset: Acer Fecundity Gamete Bundles

Sampling of Acropora cervicornis coral genotypes took place at Mote Marine Lab's spawning nurseries at Sand Key (24.45782, -81.88595) and Looe Key (24.56257, -81.40009). 

Sampling for Primary Fecundity Analysis was performed on July 3, 2020.  From 5 colonies of every genet, 3 linear branches (~10 cm in length) were sampled using bone cutters from the central portion of each colony (see Colony Size dataset, https://www.bco-dmo.org/dataset/843028). Using a ruler, the number of polyps per one square centimeter was recorded from every branch near the base of the fragment (see Polyps per Area dataset,https://www.bco-dmo.org/dataset/868308).

Treatments with formalin, DI, and HCl solution were done to preserve and decalcify the coral, which were then stored until dissection (see datasets Oocyte Size, https://www.bco-dmo.org/dataset/843067 and Oocyte Number,  https://www.bco-dmo.org/dataset/867314).

Sampling for Secondary Fecundity Analysis (this dataset)
As a secondary assessment of fecundity, five replicate colonies of every genet were brought back to the lab on July 31, 2020 for spawning and ex situ assisted sexual reproduction. From every genet that spawned during August 4-10, 2020 (all of them), 40 random gamete bundles were collected during spawning using a transfer pipet and 50 mL falcon tube. Each gamete bundle was immediately placed into a 2 mL glass vial with 10% formalin for fixation and inverted several times to break up the bundle in each vial. Then, the total number of oocytes and sperm per bundle were counted. Eggs were counted by eye by two independent observers. Replicate sperm counts were recorded using a hemocytometer.  

Problem Report:
Genet 31: In the time between when the parental colonies were morphometrically assessed/sampled in the Sand Key nursery for the primary fecundity analysis and brought into the lab for spawning/sampled for the secondary fecundity analysis, the entire tree for genet 31 snapped off from its anchor and went missing. As such, 5 colonies of genet 31 were brought in from a different spawning nursery and location (Looe Key Nursery: 24.56257, -81.40009). Thus, the fecundity data obtained from the fragments and gamete bundles come from different subpopulations (fragments from Sand Key and gamete bundles from Looe Key).

Genet 41:  From the primary fecundity analysis, it was determined that none of the colonies of genet 41 in the Sand Key nursery were gravid and therefore genet 41 was not included in the secondary fecundity analysis (Gamete Bundles Dataset).

Genets 62 + 63: Due to space limitations during transport of colonies from the field nursery to the lab, only 1 colony of genet 62 was brought in for assisted sexual reproduction and secondary fecundity analysis (Gamete Bundles Dataset).