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Crystals reproduce by alternating between asexual benthic polyps and seasonal planktonic medusae.

The juveniles are budded off large hydroid colonies in early spring, say the researchers, and quickly become free swimming. They grow very quickly and then began producing gametes for sexual reproduction.

The eggs are free-spawned and quickly settle out to make a new colony. They thrive on the hard rocky substrates (bottom). The cue that makes them continue with a new generation is most likely a change in water temperature, which shocks the colonies into strobulation.

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16y ago

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