First Record of Acropora prolifera Spawning in Florida

We document the first field observation of Acropora prolifera , the natural hybrid of A. cervicornis and A. palmata , spawning in Florida, USA. At the Coral Restoration Foundation’s in situ Tavernier Nursery, three nursery ramets (20–35 cm) released gamete bundles on August 14, 2025, five nights after the full moon and 150–180 minutes after sunset. Spawning coincided with synchronous spawning by congeners and matches Caribbean timing reported for Western Atlantic Acroporidae, indicating a consistent reproductive schedule across the region. This verified sexual reproduction in Florida has two immediate implications: (1) it fills a key evidentiary gap regarding the hybrid’s reproductive capability, relevant to hybrid-aware conservation policy; and (2) it demonstrates that nursery stock can reach sexual maturity and contribute gametes, supporting larval-based approaches alongside asexual restoration. Further research on A. prolifera's reproductive characteristics will help understand its potential role in the restoration of Caribbean coral reefs.