154
P.L. Colin
utilize more inshore areas. RA species generally seem to occur on the same sort
of geomorphologic features, such as seaward facing reef slopes, associated with
TA aggregations, but are less specifi c in their aggregation sites. Pair and haremic
spawning species with planktonic eggs have an even greater range of spawning
locations.
Where temperatures vary seasonally, selection of a certain temperature may be a
pivotal factor in determining when spawning is occurring and its potential success.
First, it may well be critical in the proper of maturation of gametes, and second it
may ensure proper timing for initiation of feeding (Chap. 7 ). An entire cohort of
larvae might be lost in a few hours if they are unable to start feeding. Much of the
strategy of aggregation-spawning may be structured around selecting temperatures
important for success; with other factors still being important, but less crucial to
overall success or failure. That some fi shes, both aggregation and non-aggregating
species, spawn only during morning hours may be related to this need. The role of
temperature in early life history and possible effects from changing climates needs
to be carefully examined (Rombought 2007 ) .
While strictly speculative at this point, it is possible that much of the dynamics
behind aggregating behaviour may have evolved to optimize the quality of the large
number of eggs spawned, particularly for TA species. For TA species, if studies
from reef fi shes with demersal eggs can be projected (Chap. 7 ), the seasonal short
duration of spawning, near simultaneous maturation all ova, hormonal and nutritional factors associated with building towards a single or few episode(s) of spawning, and intra-specifi c behaviour and interactions stimulating hormone production
resulting in eggs and larvae with potential for faster growth may lead to improved
feeding and higher survival of larvae to the settlement stage. It can be suggested that
evolution of aggregation spawning has resulted in its most specialized form (the
large transient aggregation), in the production of vast numbers of optimal eggs to be
spawned at the optimal time for the highest chance of success. While this “spawn all
your eggs from one location” strategy may have occasional massive failures, the
long lives of most TA fi shes give their populations high likelihood of reproductive
success over time.
References
Aguilar-Perera A (2006) Disappearance of a Nassau grouper spawning aggregation off the southern
Mexican Caribbean coast. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 327:289–296
Aguilar-Perera A, Aguilar-Davila A (1996) A spawning aggregation of Nassau grouper Epinephelus
striatus Pisces: Serranidae in the Mexican Caribbean. Environ Biol Fish 45:351–361
Appeldoorn RS, Hensley DA, Shapiro DY, Kioroglou S, Anderson BG (1994) Egg dispersal in a
Caribbean coral reef fi sh. Thalassoma bifasciatum . II Dispersal off the reef platform. Bull Mar
Sci 54:271–280
Bardach JE, Smith CL, Menzel DW (1958) Bermuda fi sheries research program fi nal report.
Bermuda Trade Development Board, Hamilton
Barlow GW (1981) Patterns of parental investment, dispersal and size amongst coral-reef fi shes.
Environ Biol Fish 6:65–85
P.L. Colin
utilize more inshore areas. RA species generally seem to occur on the same sort
of geomorphologic features, such as seaward facing reef slopes, associated with
TA aggregations, but are less specifi c in their aggregation sites. Pair and haremic
spawning species with planktonic eggs have an even greater range of spawning
locations.
Where temperatures vary seasonally, selection of a certain temperature may be a
pivotal factor in determining when spawning is occurring and its potential success.
First, it may well be critical in the proper of maturation of gametes, and second it
may ensure proper timing for initiation of feeding (Chap. 7 ). An entire cohort of
larvae might be lost in a few hours if they are unable to start feeding. Much of the
strategy of aggregation-spawning may be structured around selecting temperatures
important for success; with other factors still being important, but less crucial to
overall success or failure. That some fi shes, both aggregation and non-aggregating
species, spawn only during morning hours may be related to this need. The role of
temperature in early life history and possible effects from changing climates needs
to be carefully examined (Rombought 2007 ) .
While strictly speculative at this point, it is possible that much of the dynamics
behind aggregating behaviour may have evolved to optimize the quality of the large
number of eggs spawned, particularly for TA species. For TA species, if studies
from reef fi shes with demersal eggs can be projected (Chap. 7 ), the seasonal short
duration of spawning, near simultaneous maturation all ova, hormonal and nutritional factors associated with building towards a single or few episode(s) of spawning, and intra-specifi c behaviour and interactions stimulating hormone production
resulting in eggs and larvae with potential for faster growth may lead to improved
feeding and higher survival of larvae to the settlement stage. It can be suggested that
evolution of aggregation spawning has resulted in its most specialized form (the
large transient aggregation), in the production of vast numbers of optimal eggs to be
spawned at the optimal time for the highest chance of success. While this “spawn all
your eggs from one location” strategy may have occasional massive failures, the
long lives of most TA fi shes give their populations high likelihood of reproductive
success over time.
References
Aguilar-Perera A (2006) Disappearance of a Nassau grouper spawning aggregation off the southern
Mexican Caribbean coast. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 327:289–296
Aguilar-Perera A, Aguilar-Davila A (1996) A spawning aggregation of Nassau grouper Epinephelus
striatus Pisces: Serranidae in the Mexican Caribbean. Environ Biol Fish 45:351–361
Appeldoorn RS, Hensley DA, Shapiro DY, Kioroglou S, Anderson BG (1994) Egg dispersal in a
Caribbean coral reef fi sh. Thalassoma bifasciatum . II Dispersal off the reef platform. Bull Mar
Sci 54:271–280
Bardach JE, Smith CL, Menzel DW (1958) Bermuda fi sheries research program fi nal report.
Bermuda Trade Development Board, Hamilton
Barlow GW (1981) Patterns of parental investment, dispersal and size amongst coral-reef fi shes.
Environ Biol Fish 6:65–85