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Development of secondary sexual characters and their relationship to ontogeny and seasonal reproductive period in Hyphessobrycon igneus (Ostariophysi: Characiformes)
Author(s) -
Schönhofen Longoni L.,
Giora J.,
Bernhardt Fialho C.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/jfb.13499
Subject(s) - biology , characidae , sexual dimorphism , characiformes , fish fin , zoology , sexual maturity , ontogeny , ecology , fishery , genetics , fish <actinopterygii>
Sexual dimorphism in size, anal‐fin shape and coloration of Hyphessobrycon igneus , Characidae, were examined. Males were more frequent at larger body sizes, confirming body size as a sexually dimorphic trait. Anal‐fin shape and the colour of all fins were the same for females and juveniles, differing only in adult males. Likewise, only adult males had bony hooks on fin rays; larger and more sexually mature males had the most numerous and developed hooks and hooks were most developed in degree and number during peak reproductive periods. Fin hooks regressed in number and developmental degree after the reproductive period, but restarted development with the beginning of the new reproductive period without completely disappearing. Results show that bony hooks have a development and regression cycle related to reproductive seasonality.