Asexual reproduction as a means of population maintenance in the coral reef asteroid Linckia multifora on Guam

The asteroid Linckia multifora (Lamarck) reproduces by autotomy of arms. Seven phases are recognized in its asexual reproductive cycle (autotomized arms; comets; counter-comets; post counter-comet I, II and III; and disc-parents). Individuals of the comet phase represent the highest percentage for population samples collected throughout the year from several sites on Guam, indicating a continuous asexual reproduction through which populations of L. multifora are being maintained.Supported by National Science Foundation Grant GA-39948 to the University of Guam Marine Laboratory; Contribution No. 108, University of Guam Marine Laboratory. Based on a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science at the University of Guam, USA.