Reef coral from aldabra: new mode of reproduction.

A unique mode of asexual reproduction in recently collected specimens of Goniopora (Scleractinia) is reported. Skeleton is absent from new polyps; the skelton develops independently of the parent colony as the new polyps themselves increase. The young colonies eventually become detached. The cycle seems to be a response to a sandy habitat, a conclusion reached by analogy With Fungia and Manicina.