Coral Reef Physiology Group

The coral reef physiology group is studying corals and coral reef associated organisms using morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular-biological techniques.

The following research topics we are focusing on.

1. Coral bleaching: Investigating the mechanisms governing the corals response to increases in seawater temperature, including variations in bleaching sensitivity and potential means for adaptation. (Takahashi)
2. Synchronized Coral spawning:  Investigating the mechanisms governing the synchronized coral spawning around full moon. (Takahashi)
3. Gamete recognition in marine invertebrates: How do gametes of the coral and sea cucumber interact with each other and fertilize in a species-specific manner? (Morita)
4. Evolution of reproductive behavior and sperm in cichlids in Lake Tanganyika: Cichlids in Lake Tanganyika are endemic and show variety-rich reproductive behavior. We study evolutionary correlation of behavior and sperm motility and fertilization-related proteins.  (Morita)

Coral bleaching caused by heat stress.

Acropora spp. that spawns around full moon on June.

Cichlid in lake Tanganyika: mating systems, reproductive tactics are diverse among the cichlids.

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