Lunar-synchronized reproductive activity in the pencil-streaked rabbitfish Siganus doliatus in the Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia

Abstract

The annual reproductive and the lunar-related spawning cycles of the pencil-streaked rabbitfish Siganus doliatus collected from Chuuk Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia, were examined histologically. Monthly collection of this species revealed that ovaries with developing oocytes containing yolk were observed from February to May and in August and September. Weekly collection of the fish showed that ovarian development and spawning after the first quarter moon were repeated during the reproductive season, suggesting that S. doliatus is a restricted lunar-synchronized spawner and releases gametes around the time of the first quarter moon.