Abstract
Spawning aggregations of closely‐related coral trouts, Plectropomus leopardus and Plectropomus maculatus, were found to overlap in time and space on the Great Barrier Reef, thus providing opportunities for accidental hybridization by juxtaposition of heterospecific gametes. The relative abundance and mating strategy of coral trouts also favoured hybridization, since mates could be either rare in some habitats or monopolized by dominant fishes. In the latter case, sneak spawning may have occurred, even when behavioural barriers to reproduction (e.g. assortative mating) were operational. When heterospecific gametes were experimentally mixed, fertilization occurred and hybrid larvae developed. It was concluded that there was considerable opportunity for natural hybridization between coral trouts of the genus Plectropomus.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
