Reproduction and Age Structure of the Plains Killifish Fundulus zebrinus from Two Tributaries of the Upper Red River, Texas

Abstract

Plains Killifish Fundulus zebrinus (subgenus Plancterus) is native to river basins in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. Original descriptions of Plains Killifish life history information are now applicable to the sister taxon Northern Plains Killifish Fundulus kansae following recognition of the 2 species in 2001. Study objectives were to quantify (1) length of the reproductive season, using the gonadosomatic index and categories of gonadal maturation, (2) batch fecundity, and (3) number of age groups for Plains Killifish taken from 2 rivers within the upper Red River basin of Texas. Reproductive season was from March through September, with the production of multiple batches and a maximum batch of 131 mature oocytes. Plains Killifish were sexually mature at age 1 and had an estimated life span of 2–3 years. Reproductive season, production of multiple batches, and age of Plains Killifish were similar to those reported for Northern Plains Killifish and 2 other closely related subgenera, Wileyichthys and Zygonectes. These similarities suggest strong trait conservatism among a monophyletic group of fundulids that inhabit a diversity of freshwater and saltwater environments in western shallow bays and salt marshes, southwestern arid and prairie streams, and eastern low-gradient streams of North America.