To study how coral larvae select habitats we first have to collect coral gametes and raise them in the lab. We do this by "tenting" corals (shown on the right) just before they spawn, which happens once per year. Released coral gametes float to the top of the tent and into a collection cup. We collect gametes from multiple corals and cross fertilize them on the boat. After fertilization, embryos develop into planulae over several days, and planulae begin to swim after about a week. We can then use planulae in experiments!
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