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The reproductive biology of Chrysoblephus laticeps and C. cristiceps (Teleostei: Sparidae)
Author(s) -
Buxton C. D.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1990.tb04321.x
Subject(s) - biology , sparidae , teleostei , zoology , sex change , reproductive biology , ecology , mating , temperate climate , seasonal breeder , gametogenesis , fishery , fish <actinopterygii> , embryo , cryopreservation , embryogenesis
A detailed histological study showed that in two protogynous sparids, Chrysoblephus laticeps (Cuvier) and C. cristiceps (Cuvier), gametogenesis follows a pattern typical of temperate sparids and marine teleosts in general. Fertilization is external and both species produce numerous small eggs which are pelagic. They have a restricted summer breeding season and gonadal recrudescence is well correlated with temperature and photoperiod. Behavioural observations showed that C. laticeps are pair‐spawners, releasing their gametes well above the substratum after an elaborate courtship routine. The testes of these fishes are small in relation to those of other sparids and are thought to reflect basic differences in the mating systems of sex‐changing and gonochoristic species.