Mating system of the hermaphroditic coral-reef fish, Serranus baldwini

Abstract

The lantern bass, Serranus baldwini, is a small hermaphroditic serranid found adjacent to coral reefs throughout the Caribbean. Data from gonad inspection, spawning behavior, and gamete release from individuals all confirm that populations consist of simultaneous hermaphrodites and males. This gender pattern appears to be sequential, with larger males derived from smaller hermaphrodites. The social system is haremic, with the male defending an area containing 1–7 hermaphrodites. The social system and gender pattern are similar to those of the eastern Pacific serranid, Serranus fasciatus. Males obtain disproportionately high mating success by being nearly the sole mates of hermaphrodites within their harems. Hermaphrodites obtain very low levels of mating success through male function. This pattern may result from “female choice” by hermaphrodites, mate sequestering tactics by males, or both. The serranids that change gender from hermaphrodite to male appear to have a higher environmental potential for polygyny than other simultaneous hermaphrodites in this family. Factors that may maintain male function in hermaphroditic S. baldwini are outlined, but none currently provides clear evidence for why this species has not evolved to protogyny.