Environmental Biology of Fishes

, Volume 27, Issue 4, pp 243–254 | Cite as

Social organization and spawning in the Atlantic sharpnose puffer,Canthigaster rostrata (Tetraodontidae)

  • Paul C. Sikkel
Article
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Synopsis

Social organization and spawning in the sharpnose pufferCanthigaster rostrataere studied on a reef in the San Blas Islands, Panama. Sexes were dimorphic. In mixed coral and rubble habitat, females defended territories against other females and small males. From one to six female territories were included within the territories of certain large males. These haremic males visited their females and patrolled their territories throughout the day. Smaller, non-haremic males occupied territories or home ranges within or adjacent to those of haremic males or were wanderers. Spawning between a haremic male and a territorial female occurred within the female's territory. The female prepared an algal nest into which demersal eggs were deposited. There was no parental care. Eggs were spherical, translucent, and measured approximately 0.66 mm in diameter. Larvae were about 1.4 mm TL and closely resembled those of other species ofCanthigaster.

Key words

Reef fish Polygyny Sexual dimorphism Territory Harem Demersal eggs Larvae 
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Copyright information

© Kluwer Academic Publishers 1990

Authors and Affiliations

  • Paul C. Sikkel
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of Fisheries and WildlifeOregon State UniversityCorvallisU.S.A.

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