Reproductive Ecology of Lampreys

摘要: Lampreys typically spawn in riffle habitats during the spring. Spawning activity and diel (i.e., daylight at night) behavioral patterns are initiated when spring water temperatures increase to levels that coincide with optimal embryologic development. Nests constructed gravel substrate using oral disc move stones tail fan sediment out of nest. habitat used by individual species is generally a function adult size, where small-bodied construct nests shallower slower flow smaller than large-bodied species. The mating system lampreys primarily polygynandrous multiple males mate females). Lamprey total length less 30 cm communally, nest may contain 20 or more individuals both sexes. sizes greater 35 groups two four. Operational sex ratios highly variable across species, populations, time, but male biased. act spawning starts attaching his back female’s head; female then entwine simultaneously release gametes. However, alternative behaviors (e.g., gametes without paired courtship sneaker males) have been observed. Future research should determine how modalities communication among (including pheromones) integrated inform recognition choice. Such could sea lamprey control strategies provide insight into possible evolution reproductive isolation mechanisms between sympatry.