Rediscovering hermaphroditism in Grammatidae with the description of the testicular gland in Brazilian Basslet Gramma brasiliensis

Leite, Jonas Rodrigues; Freitas, Matheus Oliveira; Sanches, Eduardo Gomes; Gomes, Marcos de Lucca Moreira; Hostim‐Silva, Maurício; Cole, Kathleen S.

doi:10.1590/1519-6984.03115

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 19 publications

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“…In CRFs, all types of sex-change are present, including sequential protogyny in the Gobiidae, Pseudochromidae and Grammatidae (e.g. Warner, 1984;Leite et al, 2016, sequential protandry in the Creediidae and Gobiidae (Munday et al, 2006;Shitamitsu & Sunobe, 2017), and simultaneous, bi-directional sex-change in the Gobiidae and Pseudochromidae (St. Mary, 2000;Wittenrich & Munday, 2005). Notably, the extreme susceptibility of CRFs to predation might drive the high incidence of bi-directional sex change, at least in the Gobiidae.…”

Section: (C) Reproductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The hidden half: ecology and evolution of cryptobenthic fishes on coral reefs

et al. 2018

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Teleost fishes are the most diverse group of vertebrates on Earth. On tropical coral reefs, their species richness exceeds 6000 species; one tenth of total vertebrate biodiversity. A large proportion of this diversity is composed of cryptobenthic reef fishes (CRFs): bottom-dwelling, morphologically or behaviourally cryptic species typically less than 50 mm in length. Yet, despite their diversity and abundance, these fishes are both poorly defined and understood. Herein we provide a new quantitative definition and synthesise current knowledge on the diversity, distribution and life history of CRFs. First, we use size distributions within families to define 17 core CRF families as characterised by the high prevalence (>10%) of small-bodied species (<50 mm). This stands in strong contrast to 42 families of large reef fishes, in which virtually no small-bodied species have evolved. We posit that small body size has allowed CRFs to diversify at extremely high rates, primarily by allowing for fine partitioning of microhabitats and facilitation of allopatric reproductive isolation; yet, we are far from understanding and documenting the biodiversity of CRFs. Using rates of description since 1758, we predict that approximately 30 new species of cryptobenthic species will be described per year until 2050 (approximately twice the annual rate compared to large fishes). Furthermore, we predict that by the year 2031, more than half of the described coral reef fish biodiversity will consist of CRFs. These fishes are the 'hidden half' of vertebrate biodiversity on coral reefs. Notably, global geographic coverage and spatial resolution of quantitative data on CRF communities is uniformly poor, which further emphasises the remarkable reservoir of biodiversity that is yet to be discovered. Although small body size may have enabled extensive diversification within CRF families, small size also comes with a suite of ecological challenges that affect fishes' capacities to feed, survive and reproduce; we identify a range of life-history adaptations that have enabled CRFs to overcome these limitations. In turn, these adaptations bestow a unique socio-ecological role on CRFs, which includes a key role in coral reef trophodynamics by cycling trophic energy provided by microscopic prey to larger consumers. Although small in body size, the ecology and evolutionary history of CRFs may make them a critical component of coral-reef food webs; yet our review also shows that these fishes are highly susceptible to a variety of anthropogenic disturbances. Understanding the consequences of these changes for CRFs and coral reef ecosystems will require us to shed more light on this frequently overlooked but highly diverse and abundant guild of coral reef fishes.

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Section: (C) Reproductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The hidden half: ecology and evolution of cryptobenthic fishes on coral reefs

et al. 2018

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Spawning, egg and larval description of the brazilian basslet Gramma brasiliensis Sazima, Gasparini & Moura, 1998 in captivity

Araújo-Silva

Rocha

Mendonça³

et al. 2023

Zygote

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Summary Brazilian basslet Gramma brasiliensis is a fish highly appreciated by the marine ornamental industry. There is an increasing interest in the development of a breeding protocol for this species. However, descriptions of the reproductive biology, eggs and larval development are scarce. This study was the first to describe the spawning, eggs and larvae of G. brasiliensis in captivity, including mouth size information. Six spawning events produced egg masses with 27, 127, 600, 750, 850, and 950 eggs. Larger egg masses showed embryos with at least two different developmental stages. Eggs are spherical (∼1.0 mm diameter), held together by filaments entangling chorionic projections. Larvae with fewer than 12 hph (hours post-hatch) presented 3.55 mm standard-length, well developed eyes, fully absorbed yolk sac, an inflated swim bladder and mouth opened. Exogenous feeding on rotifers began within 12 hph. The average mouth width at first feeding was 0.38 mm. The first settled larva was noted by day 21. This information should help to determine appropriate diets and prey-shift time during the larviculture of the species.

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Bird-like complex nesting behaviour by the Brazilian-endemic reef fish Gramma brasiliensis

Leite

Pereira

Sanches

et al. 2018

Mar. Freshwater Res.

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Nesting is a common behaviour associated with reproduction in several taxa. Nevertheless, this important parental care behaviour is rarely reported for reef-associated fish. The present study provides the first description of bird-like complex nesting behaviour of the endangered basslet (Gramma brasiliensis). Males were observed building nests using macroalgae thalli around holes and depressions, in coralline substrate. Algae were used to camouflage the nest entrance and to form a cushioned bed for egg laying. Nesting is a critical aspect of the reproductive strategy of G. brasiliensis, so, this behaviour is a key factor for the management measures implications on the conservation of the species.

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Rediscovering hermaphroditism in Grammatidae with the description of the testicular gland in Brazilian Basslet Gramma brasiliensis

Cited by 5 publications

References 19 publications

The hidden half: ecology and evolution of cryptobenthic fishes on coral reefs

The hidden half: ecology and evolution of cryptobenthic fishes on coral reefs

Spawning, egg and larval description of the brazilian basslet Gramma brasiliensis Sazima, Gasparini & Moura, 1998 in captivity

Bird-like complex nesting behaviour by the Brazilian-endemic reef fish Gramma brasiliensis

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