Annual, semilunar, and diel reproductive rhythms in the Hawaiian labrid Thalassoma duperrey

摘要: Reproduction of the labrid Thalassoma duperrey was studied for population in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, from 1978 to 1981. Field observations female reproductive behavior and histological study ovaries revealed annual, semilunar, diel cycles. The percentage females with ripe ova greatest winter least summer; moreover, spawning each day summer low comparison rest year. A semilunar cycle superimposed on annual cycle, since ripe, at new full moons during first third quarters. On a daily basis, daytime high tide. strategies this other species shallow-water labrids are interpreted as evolutionary responses both predation pressure need short-range, within-habitat dispersal. peak probably reduces loss pelagic larvae reef habitat due weak oceanic currents. maximizes dispersal strong tidal Spawning tide should maximize distance between newly spawned eggs planktivores may be most effective anti-predator tactic available broadcast spawners.