Coral + moonlight + mystery = Coral Spawning

There's something magical about the coral reef at night. At Coralku's Coral Garden last March, scientists watched a series of underwater fireworks: twelve coral species releasing clouds of eggs and sperm. But this is more than a pretty show—it's a clue to how reefs might survive our warming seas. 

Our teams set out with two clear goals: first, to pin down exactly when these corals spawn on the island; and second, to measure how much energy they pour into reproduction. 

Armed with dim-red flashlights (to keep corals calm), cameras strapped to divers, and data sheets by headlamp, the team spent several nights in March 2024 tracking spawning. Twelve species joined the chorus. The result? A synchronized mass release of egg bundles that felt like nature's grand finale. 

Timing coral nursery tasks to natural spawning can supercharge larval collection. Picking out heat-hardy colonies now? That could shape restoration projects for the coming season. 

Witnessing coral spawning feels as exciting as catching the latest viral trend—only it is life itself renewing beneath the waves. So next time you hear about reefs on the brink, remember: their story includes resilience, romance, and a fair bit of science. And hey, who would not root for that?