Reproduction of Corals
295
("carpet growths", Benayahu and Loya 1984). A similar mode is used also
by another octocoral, Briareum asbestum (Lasker 1983). The gorgonian
luncella ("sea whip") produce offspring fragments by "autotomy", i.e., by
the resorption of tissues at the "Whip" 5-8 cm from its end. The pieces thus
periodically separated fall to the bottom and root. The efficiency of this
mode of vegetative multiplication appears to be extremely high. Populations
of sea whips may produce up to 300 new colonies per square meter per year.