Abstract
AbstractThe mating system and patterns of gender‐specific egg cannibalism in Atka mackerel Pleurogrammus monopterygius were examined through genetic parentage analysis of embryos in egg clutches produced in captive and wild populations. Like other hexagrammid fishes, Atka mackerel exhibit polygynandry, which is characterized by serial matings by both genders within a breeding season. Most matings in captivity were pairings of females with nest‐attendant males, although parentage analysis of clutches produced in a small tank with limited nesting substrate revealed that 31% contained contributions by non—nest‐guarding males. In contrast, all egg clutches produced in a large exhibit tank were sired by guardian males. Multiple parentage, sometimes involving both genders, was detected in 35% of egg clutches collected in the field or retrieved from the guts of adult male and female cannibals. Half‐sib and unrelated full‐sib embryos were found in several putative clutches, indicating that the reproductive output from multiple males and females may be combined sequentially and fused into a single clutch. These results suggested that nest takeovers, combined with alloparental care of existing broods, represent common reproductive tactics in males. Egg cannibalism is a significant seasonal factor in the diets of male and female Atka mackerel. Analysis of loose eggs and partial egg clutches ingested by 4 female and 15 male cannibals showed that nearly all conspecific predation represented heterocannibalism. One instance of partial filial cannibalism was documented in a male that was one of multiple sires for the clutch.
Highlights
In recent years, parentage analysis of offspring using highly polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers has provided unprecedented resolution of fish mating systems (DeWoody and Avise 2001; see review by Avise et al 2002; Mackiewicz et al 2005)
Sneaking has been reported in hexagrammids species, and the reproductive consequences of this behavior have been quantified using molecular genetic techniques in the fat greenling H. otakii (Munehara and Takenaka 2000) and lingcod Ophiodon elongatus (Withler et al 2004; King and Withler 2005)
TABLE 2.—Observed number of alleles (AO), expected (He) and observed (Ho) heterozygosities, exclusion probabilities (P), and probabilities of genetic identity (PID) for six microsatellite loci used in parentage analysis of Atka mackerel
Summary
Parentage analysis of offspring using highly polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers has provided unprecedented resolution of fish mating systems (DeWoody and Avise 2001; see review by Avise et al 2002; Mackiewicz et al 2005). We used genetic parentage analyses of embryos produced in both captive and natural populations of Atka mackerel to assess the mating system and patterns of egg cannibalism by adults.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
