The stomach cavity of the coral also house long, mobile filaments which contain the reproductive cells. Corals can reproduce either sexually or asexually. Synchronous spawning occurs in many corals. The corals release sperm and eggs into the water at the same time. At least one-third of the corals on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia reproduces using this method.
Asexual reproduction occurs in several different ways.
Environmental disturbances may dislodge some polyps or portions of the colony and deposit them on other parts of the reef. Another asexual method of reproduction occurs when a polyp that is produced sexually initiates the growth of a colony through budding. The growth of a colony depends on such factors as sunlight and water temperature. Reefs also tend to thrive in clear water because it allows more sunlight to reach the corals. Reefs also tend to develop in areas of strong wave action.