Reproductive tactics and development of sexually dimorphic structures in a stream-dwelling characid fish (Deuterodon stigmaturus) from Atlantic Forest

Abstract

The reproductive tactics of Deuterodon stigmaturus were investigated in this study, testing whether the species presents a seasonal or opportunistic life-history strategy in a high latitude Atlantic Forest stream in Brazil. The relation between the development of anal-fin spinelets (sexually dimorphic structures in characids) and the reproductive period of D. stigmaturus was also investigated. The species displayed a seasonal life-history strategy, with the reproductive period occurring between austral spring and summer. The reproductive period was related to increase in temperature and photoperiod, corroborating several studies that suggest positive relation between seasonal reproduction and abiotic predictability. The data indicated total spawning occurring in January, coinciding with the month of greatest rainfall (historical and in the study year). However, the observation of postovulatory follicles in previous months suggests small spawning before January. The development of spinelets on the anal-fin was the only sexual dimorphic trait between males and females. Contrasting with several other studies, seasonal development of anal-fin spinelets was observed in adult males, following the reproductive period and regressing afterwards. Thus, some characid species probably retain this structure throughout the year and others do not, which may be related to life-history strategy differences.