Experimental study on the regeneration of Fungiid corals in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Abstract

Eleven species of fungiid corals were examined <i>in situ</i> condition for a period of 14 month after the mechanical excision to record their regenerative capability. Healing and structural development or regeneration was started within 1-6 months depending on the species and the pattern of excision of the coralla. Mushroom coral showed a tendency to regain its morphological symmetry through regeneration. Mouth took active part for the regeneration by organizing repair mechanism from the central direction while new mouth was formed in the absence of parental mouth for the survival of any part of coral fragments as well as with the existing one.