Copulation in Astroblepus ubidiai
Posted: 24 Jul 2022, 07:14
Mena-Valenzuela, P., Valdiviezo-Rivera, J., Mena-Olmedo, J. and Aguirre, W.E. (2022), The first observation of copulation in Andean Catfish Astroblepus ubidiai (Siluriformes, Astroblepidae), in Lago San Pablo, Imbabura, Ecuador. J. Fish Biol.. Accepted Author Manuscript. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15175
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jfb.15175
Video: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/ ... ideoS1.mp4
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jfb.15175
Video: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/ ... ideoS1.mp4
Abstract
The reproductive behavior of the Andean Catfish was observed directly and with an underwater camera in a spring located next to Lago San Pablo in the province of Imbabura, Ecuador in late 2015 and early 2016. Five mating attempts were observed, four of which were videotaped, and two of which resulted in complete copulation. During copulation, the male grabs the female from the top of the head with its buccal disc and pelvic fins, and from this position, bends its body forming a “C” to reach the genital pore of the female and introduce its copulatory organ. Once copulation is complete, the female swims away rapidly. Details of the copulation are described here through illustrations.
