Reproductive traits of Ancistrus multispinis and Pareiorhaphis hypselurus
Posted: 12 Jul 2022, 17:56
Lampert, V.R., Tondato-Carvalho, K.K. & Fialho, C.B. (2022). Reproductive traits of two species of suckermouth armored catfishes (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from a coastal drainage in the southern limits of the Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Environ Biol Fish. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-022-01295-9
https://link.springer.com/article/10.10 ... 22-01295-9
https://link.springer.com/article/10.10 ... 22-01295-9
Abstract
The reproductive traits of two loricariid catfishes, and , from tributaries of the Mampituba river basin, southern Brazil, were analyzed and tested for relationships with biotic and abiotic parameters. Samples were taken monthly from July 2008 to December 2009 and data were grouped by season. Traits include population structure, reproductive period, size at first maturation, fecundity, spawning type, and possible influences of biotic and abiotic factors on reproduction. Results found the sex ratio to be 1:1 for both species. Males of A. multispinis and both sexes of P. hypselurus presented isometric growth, while females of A. multispinis had positive allometric growth. The reproductive activity of both species started during winter and reached its highest intensity in spring and summer. Both species had low fecundity with large oocytes and multiple spawning. Size at first maturation for A. multispinis was 58.3 mm for males and 49.2 mm for females, while for P. hypselurus, it was 40.5 for males and 34.1 for females. Day length seems to be the most influential abiotic factor for increasing the gonadosomatic index (GSI) for both species. Other abiotic factors, such as water depth and velocity, rainfall, and temperature, may also play a role in the reproductive cycle. The hepatosomatic index (HSI) also influenced reproduction, especially for A. multispinis. The reproductive traits presented by both species, such as an extended reproductive period, large oocytes, low fecundity, multiple spawning, and the occurrence of parental care, place these species within the equilibrium reproductive strategy.
