Reproductive cycle of native viviparous fish species (Actinopterygii: Cyprinodontiformes: Goodeidae) in a subtropical Mexican lake

Abstract

Reproductive tactics and strategies contribute to the persistence and maintenance of long-term populations in fish species. Members of the subfamily Goodeinae are a group of small-bodied freshwater fish with specialized reproduction (viviparity-matrotrophy). They are found in the highlands of central Mexico, most of them endemic. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive investigation to evaluate the annual reproductive cycle of seven species of goodeines (splitfins). We carried out our study in the subtropical Lake Zacapu, Mexico, with bi-monthly sampling from May 2019 to March 2020. We obtain the fertility, size at first maturity (L50), sex ratio, and gonadosomatic index. Our result shows that populations of goodeines have high fertility compared to other populations of the same species in other aquatic systems and also to other species of goodein. We found that males mature at smaller sizes than females, the observed proportion of females was greater than males in all the goodeines. Lake Zacapu goodeines have two reproductive peaks, one in spring (April to June) and another in fall (September to November). These tactics (fertility rates, sex ratio, reproductive period) and strategies (viviparity-matrotrophy) favor reproductive success in this environmentally stable subtropical lake in the highlands of Mexico.

Temporal changes in the fish community structure of a small subtropical spring lake: Decadal and seasonal analysis

“…However, the populations of these three species appear to remain relatively low because C. idella and C. carpio are the most important species for commercial fishing (J. J. González‐Cárdenas, personal communication, August 8, 2019); apparently, fishermen regulate their populations in a manner that does not allow an increase in their abundances. Regarding A. zacapuensis , this species is well established in Lake Zacapu but has a restricted distribution, and its population reproduces effectively in one of the springs (Site 3; Ramírez‐García et al, 2021). Nevertheless, A. zacapuensis is a microendemic in this lake and was absent from almost 95% of the total ecosystem, according to the results obtained with traps and electrofishing, both of which support its current status as critically endangered (Koeck, 2019a; Lyons et al, 2019).…”

Differential sensitivity of offspring from four species of goodeine freshwater fish to acute exposure to nitrates

“…Ramírez-García et al, 2021). In contrast, G. atripinnis start its reproductive stage at 8 months (Silva- Santos et al, 2016), with a body length of 65.8 ± 17.6 mm in females and 65.6 ± 20.7 mm in males (Ramírez-García et al, 2021). Thus, the smallest and most precocious species were the most sensitive, while more tolerant responses were found in larger species.…”

“…Likewise, S. lermae have earlier maturation and begin their reproductive life approximately 3 months after birth (body length: 29.5 ± 5.7 mm in females and 25.2 ± 5.4 mm in males. Ramírez-García et al, 2021). In contrast, G. atripinnis start its reproductive stage at 8 months (Silva- Santos et al, 2016), with a body length of 65.8 ± 17.6 mm in females and 65.6 ± 20.7 mm in males (Ramírez-García et al, 2021).…”

“…Due to the large difference in progeny between species (S. lermae and X. variata females produce a mean of 12 and 38 hatchlings, respectively; whereas G. atripinnis and A. robustus females produce larger progeny of up to 150 offspring. Ramírez-García et al, 2021), this study evaluated offspring from a different number of gravid females. These differences in fecundity between goodeine species, in addition to differential sensitivity to NaNO 3 -N, could increase the ecological risk for S. lermae and X. variata in wild freshwater ecosystems.…”

Historical analysis of an imperiled fish species: environmental variables modeling, biotic interactions, extirpation, and current restricted-range

“…We suggest the implementation of three actions to preserve the LZ ecosystem: (1) protect spring zones and regulate the water extraction for the conservation of aquatic biodiversity, (2) restoration of the littoral areas, and (3) adapt decision-making initiatives of the lake use and urban development to long-term objectives to preserve the ecosystem structure and function [5,93]. Exotic species may represent a threat to native species, and non-native fish con-trol measures must be implemented to reduce the already established populations (i.e., reducing restocking and increasing harvesting).…”