Churaumi Aquarium coral has spawned annually for 17 years! On June 12th 2018, we confirmed coral spawning had occurred in the Coral Sea tank!

On June 12th, 2018 the release of coral eggs and coral sperm (coral spawning) occurred in the Coral Sea tank of Churaumi Aquarium.
You can view the footage of corals releasing eggs and sperm (spawning).

Corals releasing eggs and sperm.
Spawning staghorn corals release a vast number of capsules containing eggs and sperm, these capsules are known as bundles. Fertilization takes place after the bundles burst open and mix on the ocean surface. In Okinawa, spawning takes place from May through June around the spring tide.

Corals releasing eggs and sperm in the Coral Sea tank.
Spawning has taken place each year since the tank opened 17 years ago (Including when the tank was being prepared in June 2002). This natural phenomenon can take place as this tank is illuminated by sunlight and contains natural seawater.

June 12th, 2018 (Tuesday)
Between 23:00 to 24:00 Staghorn corals including Acropora microphthalma and Acropora acuminate.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium “Coral Sea”

Staff at Churaumi Aquarium confirmed corals preparing to release eggs and sperm at around 9pm. Soon afterwards, from the tips of the coral polyps, there was the release of pink capsules of about 1mm in diameter. These capsules, known as bundles, contain fats and slowly rises to the surface of the water, filling the tank with pink bundles.
A 6-year-old species of staghorn coral (Acropora sp.) that was bred in the aquarium was also confirmed to spawn as well.

※Public viewing of the actual spawning is not possible.
Corals about to spawn.