Field and experimental studies of hybridization between coral trouts, Plectropomus leopardus and Plectropomus maculatus (Serranidae), on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Frisch, A., and van Herwerden, L. (2006) Field and experimental studies of hybridization between coral trouts, Plectropomus leopardus and Plectropomus maculatus (Serranidae), on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Journal of Fish Biology, 68 (4). pp. 1013-1025.

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Abstract

Spawning aggregations of closely‐related coral trouts, Plectropomus leopardus and Plectropomus maculatus, were found to overlap in time and space on the Great Barrier Reef, thus providing opportunities for accidental hybridization by juxtaposition of heterospecific gametes. The relative abundance and mating strategy of coral trouts also favoured hybridization, since mates could be either rare in some habitats or monopolized by dominant fishes. In the latter case, sneak spawning may have occurred, even when behavioural barriers to reproduction (e.g. assortative mating) were operational. When heterospecific gametes were experimentally mixed, fertilization occurred and hybrid larvae developed. It was concluded that there was considerable opportunity for natural hybridization between coral trouts of the genus Plectropomus.

Item ID: 3657
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1095-8649
Keywords: coral trout; hybridization; reproductive isolation; Serranidae; spawning aggregation
Date Deposited: 27 Nov 2009 04:04
SEO Codes: 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 100%
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