Pair and spawning behavior of Angelfish (Pomacanthidae)

[ThRoewer]

Population structure, reproductive behavior and protogynous hermaphroditism in the angelfish Centropyge interruptus at Miyake-jima, Japan (full PDF)

 

[ThRoewer]

A toroidal vortex for gamete dispersion in a marine fish, Pygoplites diacanthus

Animal Behaviour, Volume 33, Issue 3, August 1985, Pages 1021-1023

Ann M. Gronell, Patrick L. Colin

Short Communications

Toroidal vortices are a common result of motion through both liquid and gaseous environments. Their formation and movement are recognized as important in understanding the mechanics of flight (Weiss-Fogh 1977) and swimming (McCutcheon 1977). One species of coral-reef fish, the regal angelfish, Pygoptites diacanthus, makes use of this result of normal swimming to assist spawning success. During spawning, a cohesive, toroidal vortex of gametes is produced which moves upward in the water column, away from the potential predators which crowd the reef. This spinning ring of gametes is not known from other members of the family Pomacanthidae or among other fishes.

Spawning by P. diacanthus was observed between 31 July and 15 September at Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands, at several locations including patch reefs, lagoon pinnacles and lagoon-ocean passes. Each male controlled a harem of 2-4 females, spawning with each at dusk, from 15 min pre-sunset to at least 25 min after sunset. Courtship was minimal, the male visiting each female in turn, travelling well-defined paths. Females signaled readiness to spawn by rising up into the water column while spreading their pelvic fins. A male would then approach from behind, place his mouth on the female's side just above her gonadal pore and move his mouth in a nuzzling manner. The pair then spiralled slowly up ı89to 1 m above the coral before releasing the gametes and darting back to shelter.

The courtship is thus very similar to that of other angelfishes (e.g. Thresher 1982). However, as pairs ascended, the male left his position beside the female, dropping down and back until he was below and perpendicular to her body plane, though still in contact with her ventral body surface (Fig. 1). At the peak of the ascent and just as the gametes were shed, the male flexed his tail sending him downwards to the reef, simultaneously catching the gametes in the resultant vortex and sending them rolling toward the surface waters.

After release, the vortices rose with an overall speed of 0.27 m s -1, rising fastest when first formed and slowing as the rotational speed decreased with the friction of passage through the water. Initial ring radius (ro) was estimated at 0-05 m and expanded to approximately 0-5 m at 5 6 m above and 30-40 s after release. Vortices were still cohesive and visible for as long as 60 s after formation, elongating and expanding as the system slowed and eggs began spinning off the edges of the ring. If passage was impeded or interrupted, the cohesion was destroyed, upward motion ceased and a diffuse gamete cloud similar to that of other pelagic spawning fishes resulted.

Such a vortex, because of its motion and cohesiveness, has an effective or 'apparent' viscosity of ...

Figure 1. Pre-spawning positions of Pygoplites diacanthus showing the change in position of the male relative to the female to facilitate vortex ring formation. (A) After the male approaches the female and as they begin the ascent, he is beside and below her. (B) Just prior to gamete release, the male has moved under the female and perpendicular to her. (C) Just after gamete release, the male's tail has moved upwards to catch the gametes in the resulting vortex as he moves downward and back to the reef.

 

[ThRoewer]

Age-based demography and reproductive ontogeny of angelfishes belonging to the family Pomacanthidae (Full PDF)

Very interesting work!

Some notable findings:

In the wild Pomacathus sexstriatus can get as old as 60 years!
Centropyge bicolor up to 18 years and
Centropyge loricula gets up to 8 years old in the wild.

Sex changes of large angels may also be much more complex than previously thought.

 

[ThRoewer]

Social and reproductive behavior of Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus (Pomacanthidae) at Bantayan island, Philippines, with notes on pomacanthid relationships

Abstract

Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus occurs at Bantayan Island in a habitat of small patches of mixed scleractinian and alcyonacean corals of low diversity and simple structure. Male-female pairs were predominant, and the sex-ratio showed only a slight skew towards females. However, the presence of single male, two-female social groups demonstrates that the species is polygamous. Small size of social groups is attributed to a preference for a habitat lacking structural complexity. The species did not occur on complex coral reefs. Social and spawning behavior are nearly identical to that of most pomacanthids for which data are available, and although sex-change was not demonstrated, size-related dominance hierarchies and close phylogenetic relationships to sex-changing pomacanthids suggest protogynous hermaphroditism in this species. Behaviorally, C. mesoleucus appears quite similar to a large group of species proposed herein to represent a generalized pomacanthid behavioral type. Divergences from this generalized type by members of Genicanthus, eastern Pacific Holacanthus, and western Atlantic Pomacanthus are discussed. Evidence is given to suggest the phylogenetic derivation of the subgenus Centropyge (genus Centropyge) from an ancestor of the subgenus Xiphipops type. Color dimorphism and “rendezvous sites” are briefly discussed.

 

[ThRoewer]

Spawning, early development, and first feeding in the lemonpeel angelfish Centropyge flavissimus

Abstract

The present study investigates, for the first time, critical processes in early life history in captive rearing of the lemonpeel angelfish Centropyge flavissimus. Video recordings of courtship behaviors in the 300 L spawning tank showed several courtship behaviors to be similar to those described for wild fish, but courtship activities associated with harem maintenance were not observed in the captive fish. Typical courtship activity was seen on every day of observation, but gamete release occurred on only 7 of 10 observation days. The reason for the lack of gamete release was not obvious. Tank spawning began when temperature and photoperiod conditions were changed to spring and reached a maximum peak (in terms of egg number) during the summer, when the temperature was 28 °C. Egg production and fertilization rate remained relatively constant day to day and spawning continued for months at a time as long as temperature and photoperiod were maintained at optimum levels. Once the embryo hatched (15 h post fertilization) and the yolk sac stage was reabsorbed (48 h post hatching), larvae were ready to feed. Cultured Parvocalanus sp. nauplii or size-sieved wild zooplankton were suitable first food. Proper environmental conditions included rearing the larvae at 28 °C. This study provides the first data on the influence of temperature and first food offered on larval survival in the lemonpeel angelfish.

 

[ThRoewer]

Spawning Behavior and Early Ontogeny of a Pomacanthid Fish, Chaetodontoplus duboulayi, in an Aquarium. (Full PDF)

Abstract

Spawning behavior of Chaetodontoplus duboulayi was recorded for the first time in an aquarium. Dimorphic characters associated with sex were recognized in color pattern and caudal fin shape. From 14 March to 27 April 1992, a pair spawned almost daily. Spawning took place between about 50 min before and 70 min after the mercury lamps went out in the evening (18: 40-20: 40). A second spawning was observed on three evenings. The number of eggs per spawning ranged between 5, 000 and 33, 000. Compared with the courtship of other pomacanthid species, the male's rapid swimming, which was its only courtship display, and the female's active display, including soaring and rapid swimming, were unique to C. duboulayi. Eggs were pelagic and spherical, 0.92-0.97mm in diameter, and had a colorless transparent chorion and a yellowish transparent oil globule of 0.22-0.24mm in diameter. Hatching occurred 24-25hrs after spawning at 25.0-25.4°C. The newly-hatched larvae, 2.40-2.63mm in total length (TL) with 12+16=28 myomeres, had an elliptic yolk sac, which extended beyond the snout. The yolk was segmented. The oil globule was located at the rear end of the yolk sac. The larvae of C. duboulayi up to 48hrs after hatching were generally similar to those of other pomacanthid species, but distinguishable by the pigmentation patterns.

 

[ThRoewer]

Reproductive ecology and biogeography of Indo-west Pacific angelfishes (Pisces: Pomacanthidae) (Full PDF)

Abstract

Analysis of the relationships between duration of the pelagic larval stage (as indicated by otolith microstructure), adult size, and the extent of geographic distribution for Indo-West Pacific angelfishes (Pomacanthidae) indicates that neither adult size nor larval duration significantly predicts extent of distribution, either individually or jointly in a multiple regression. These results are robust for both the family as a whole and the genus best represented in our data (Centropyge). If larval duration and adult size do have an effect, it is only jointly and at the genus level. However, larval duration and adult size do correlate significantly and negatively with one another. The operational factor seems to be egg size, which correlates positively with adult size, and negatively with duration of the pelagic larval stage. Similar correlations are evident in both marine invertebrates and at least some other coral-reef fishes, suggesting they are of widespread significance. The limited ability of either reproductive parameter to predict extent of species distribution indicates, first, that even in a group as morphologically conservative as the Indo-West Pacific pomacanthids, neither a two-fold difference between species in larval duration nor a two order of magnitude difference in female fecundity markedly affects extant distributions; and secondly, that either undescribed biological factors or historical constraints are of paramount importance. Available evidence suggests that dispersal abilities of most coral reef fishes, in fact, may be limited, despite the nearly universal occurrence of a pelagic stage in development.

 

[michaelg]

I was asking for info on centropyge spawning in the breeder's forum, THIS is what I was looking for! I have a pair of potter's and they were acting unusual the other night. From reading the article on the lemonpeel's courting behavior, seems some species the male is more dominant than the female, and others it is reversed. Here the female did most of the circling, and neither displayed "blanching", whereas what I've seen with my potter's is that the male does most of the circling, and blanches as well (if that is where they change colors which I am assuming it is).

 

[ThRoewer]

Reproductive Ecology and Biogeography of Indo-West Pacific Angelfishes (Pisces: Pomacanthidae) (Full article online)

Abstract

Analysis of the relationships between duration of the pelagic larval stage (as indicated by otolith microstructure), adult size, and the extent of geographic distribution for Indo-West Pacific angelfishes (Pomacanthidae) indicates that neither adult size nor larval duration significantly predicts extent of distribution, either individually or jointly in a multiple regression. These results are robust for both the family as a whole and the genus best represented in our data (Centropyge). If larval duration and adult size do have an effect, it is only jointly and at the genus level. However, larval duration and adult size do correlate significantly and negatively with one another. The operational factor seems to be egg size, which correlates positively with adult size, and negatively with duration of the pelagic larval stage. Similar correlations are evident in both marine invertebrates and at least some other coral-reef fishes, suggesting they are of widespread significance. The limited ability of either reproductive parameter to predict extent of species distribution indicates, first, that even in a group as morphologically conservative as the Indo-West Pacific pomacanthids, neither a two-fold difference between species in larval duration nor a two order of magnitude difference in female fecundity markedly affects extant distributions; and secondly, that either undescribed biological factors or historical constraints are of paramount importance. Available evidence suggests that dispersal abilities of most coral reef fishes, in fact, may be limited, despite the nearly universal occurrence of a pelagic stage in development.

 

[ThRoewer]

Evolution and biogeography of marine angelfishes (Pisces: Pomacanthidae)

Abstract
Phylogenetic relationships among angelfishes (Pomacanthidae) and their putative sister taxon, the butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), were examined using 12S and 16S mitochondrial DNA sequences. ML and MP trees were highly congruent with good basal resolution. Monophyly of the two families was supported, although a clade comprising the Chaetodontidae and one of the outgroups, the Scatophagidae, formed the sister clade to the Pomacanthidae. All genera and subgenera within the Pomacanthidae were examined. The relationships among the 24 representative species were consistent with traditional generic boundaries, with the exception of the genus Centropyge, but differed from previous phylogenies. Estimated ages of divergence based on trans-isthmian pairs were compared with independent fossil evidence. Trans-isthmian estimates were highly conservative, while fossil-calibrated estimates were most consistent with available evidence. Fossil calibrated estimates suggest that the family has been impacted by both the Terminal Tethyan Event and the closure of the Isthmus of Panama. Within the family, ecological diversity and species-level diversification are restricted primarily to a single pygmy angelfish clade with an origin near the Oligocene"“Miocene boundary.

Keywords: Pomacanthidae; Chaetodontidae; Biogeography; Molecular clock; Fossil validation; Trans-isthmian pairs

 

[ThRoewer]

Courtship and spawning in the emperor angelfish Pomacanthus imperator, with comments on reproduction by other pomacanthid fishes

Abstract
Courtship and spawning are described for Pomacanthus imperator and 4 Centropyge spp. at Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands, observed from 15 August to 15 September, 1981. In all species, courtship and spawning occur at dusk, continue throughout most of the lunar month, are preceded by male display to the female, and culminate in the pair's shedding gametes into the water column. The species differ in ascent height, details of courtship behavior, spawning location relative to prominent reef topography and degree and type of sexual dichromatism. Social organization in all species appears based on male defense of harems of 2 to 5 females. Observed behavior is compared to that of confamilials, and discussed relative to proposed theories concerning lunar periodicity of spawning activity, sexual dichromatism and the adaptive significance of spawning ascent behavior.

 

[ThRoewer]

Age and growth by scale analysis of Pomacanthus imperator (Teleostei: Pomacanthidae) from Dongsha Islands, southern China (Full PDF)

Abstract
A total of 200 specimens of Pomacanthus imperator from Dongsha Islands (South China Sea), were examined for age and growth. Scale radial length (R) is linearly proportional to standard length (L) and their relationship can be expressed by the formula L=3.6+43.8R. Relationship between standard length and body weight (W) can be expressed by the formula W=1.63×10−4L2.77. Mean standard lengths of each age group were back-calculated from scale annuli readings and were found to be 66.4, 94.2, 120.7, 133.9, 145.6, 157.9, 170.7, 188.0, 200.9, 217.6, 222.0, 242.8, 253.0, 268.1, 277.0 and 293.0 mm for age classes 1 through 16, respectively. The von Bertalanffy parameters L∞, K, and to fitted to back-calculated standard lengths were, respectively, 411.9 mm, 2852.1 g, 0.067 years−1, and −0.91 years. Marginal increment analysis indicated that annulus formation takes place between January and March.

"..., theoretically the life span of P. imperator could be more than 60 years and the species is capable of actively growing up to 25 years, after which the fish reaches senescence."

 

[ThRoewer]

Courtship and spawning in the emperor angelfish Pomacanthus imperator, with comments on reproduction by other pomacanthid fishes

Abstract
Courtship and spawning are described for Pomacanthus imperator and 4 Centropyge spp. at Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands, observed from 15 August to 15 September, 1981. In all species, courtship and spawning occur at dusk, continue throughout most of the lunar month, are preceded by male display to the female, and culminate in the pair's shedding gametes into the water column. The species differ in ascent height, details of courtship behavior, spawning location relative to prominent reef topography and degree and type of sexual dichromatism. Social organization in all species appears based on male defense of harems of 2 to 5 females. Observed behavior is compared to that of confamilials, and discussed relative to proposed theories concerning lunar periodicity of spawning activity, sexual dichromatism and the adaptive significance of spawning ascent behavior.

 

[ThRoewer]

Sexually dichromatic protogynous angelfish Centropyge ferrugata (Pomacanthidae) males can change back to females

Abstract
Protogynous hermaphroditism, female-to-male sex change, is well known among reef fishes where large males monopolize harems of females. When the dominant male disappears from a harem, the largest female may change sex within a few weeks. Recently, from experiments with some protogynous haremic fishes in which two males' cohabitated, it was confirmed that sexual behavior and gonads were completely reversible according to individual social status. However, the ability to reverse secondary-developed sexual body coloration has never been examined in any protogynous fish. We conducted two male cohabitation experiments with the protogynous haremic angelfish, Centropyge ferrugata, which has conspicuous sexual dichromatism on the dorsal fin. Smaller males of C. ferrugata soon performed female-specific mating behaviors when they became subordinated after losing a contest. They then completed gonadal sex change to females 47 or 89 d (n=2) after beginning cohabitation. In the course of the reversed gonadal sex change, male-specific coloration on the dorsal fin changed to that of a female. Thus, the sex of C. ferrugata, including secondary developed sexually dichromatic characteristics, can be completely reversible in accord with their social status.