Dualistic spawning behaviour of the cunner, Tautogolabrus adspersus (Pisces: Labridae), in Bonne Bay, Newfoundland

Abstract

Group spawning and pair spawning cunners, Tautogolabrus adspersus, were studied at Bonne Bay, Newfoundland. This is the first recorded occurrence of both types of spawning behaviour of this species at a single location. Group spawning occurred within aggregations of 30 to > 150 fish. Cunners in group spawning aggregations ranged in length from 80 to 180 mm. Those with brown phase colouration outnumbered those with male nuptial (blue phase) colouration by at least 3:1. All courtship was initiated by males with nuptial colouration, but some brown-phase males participated in group spawnings. Pair spawning involved territorial males and was observed within 5 m of an aggregation in which group spawning was occurring. Territorial males were larger than 200 mm and had nuptial colouration. They were not observed where small (< 180 mm) cunners were most abundant. Group spawning occurred in the afternoon, being most frequent between 1800 and 1900 hours.