Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Gametogenesis and Development of Gymnocharacinus Bergi (Pisces, Characidae): Reproductive Mode Relative to Environmental Stability

  • Published:
Environmental Biology of Fishes Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Gymnocharacinus bergi (Pisces, Characidae) is classified as 'endangered' (IUCN 1996). It has been given particular attention among Patagonian fishes due to the reduction of some of its morphological structures, particularly scales, its extreme southern distribution among the Characiformes and its strong adaptation to a thermal environment in northeastern Patagonia. This paper describes the main aspects of gametogenesis, induced breeding, spawning and development of G. bergi, whose life history traits are related to the peculiar characteristics of its restricted environment. The temperature and flow stability of the Valcheta Stream make many of the environmental variables predictable. Other variables related to photoperiod undergo predictable fluctuation during the year. Gymnocharacinus bergi has synchronous gametogenesis and a rather short breeding season, which is earlier than for Paranensean characids. Its reproductive mode, courtship and spawning behaviour, and the absence of sexual dimorphism are common to other small characins from lotic environments. Gymnocharacinus bergi is a sedentary species with precocial characters, such as low fecundity and slightly adhesive, yolk-rich oocytes which are large in relation to the small size of the female. Larvae are robust, development is indirect and adulthood prolonged. These peculiar characteristics indicate a reproductive style very different from that of the main groups of Patagonian fish fauna.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References cited

  • Araujo-Lima, C.A.R.M. 1994. Egg size and larval development in Central Amazonian fish. J. Fish Biol. 44: 371–389.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aries, S.S. 1972. La familia “caracínidos”. Acuarama. Publicación bimestral de Ictiología y Acuarismo. Littec Ediciones, Buenos Aires. 71 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Balon, E.K. 1990. Epigenesis of an epigeneticist: the development of some alternative concepts on the early ontogeny and evolution of fishes. Guelph Ichthyol. Rev. 1: 1–48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Balon, E.K. 1999. Alternative ways to become a juvenile or a definitive phenotype (and on some persisting linguistic offenses). Env. Biol. Fish. 56: 17–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Battini, M.A., M.F. Alonso & V.E. Cussac. 1995. Growth and nutritional condition of the larvae of Odonthestes microlepidotus (Atherinidae): an experimental approach. Env. Biol. Fish. 42: 391–399.

    Google Scholar 

  • Campos, H. 1969. Reproducción del Aplochiton taeniatus Jenyns. Bol. Mus. Nac. Hist. Nat. 29: 207–222.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carolsfeld, J. 1989. Reproductive physiology and induced breeding of fish as related to culture of colossomas. pp. 37–73. In: Cultivo del Colossoma, Primera Reunión Grupo de Trabajo Técnico, Editora Guadalupe Ltda, Bogotá.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cussac, V., P.M. Cervellini & M.A. Battini. 1992. Intralacustrine movements of Galaxias maculatus (Galaxiidae) and Odontesthes microlepidotus (Atherinidae) during their early life history. Env. Biol. Fish. 35: 141–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cussac, V. & M. Maggese. 1987. Seasonal changes in the presumptive gonadotrophic cells of the catfish Rhamdia sapo (Pisces, Pimelodidae) in relation to gonadosomatic index. Comunicaciones Biológicas 6: 113–123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cussac, V.E., D. Ruzzante, S. Walde, P.J. Macchi, V. Ojeda, M.F. Alonso & M.A. Denegri. 1998. Body shape variation of three species of Percichthys in relation to their coexistence in the Limay River basin, in Northern Patagonia. Env. Biol. Fish. 53: 143–153.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernández-Delgado, C. & M. Herrera. 1994. Population structure, growth and reproduction of Tropidophoxinellus alburnoides (Steindachner 1866) in an intermittent stream of the Guadalquivir River basin (southern Spain). Arch. Hydrobiologie. 130: 359–369.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernández-Delgado, C. & M. Herrera. 1995. Age, growth and reproduction of Rutilus lemmingii in an intermittent stream of the Guadalquivir River basin, southern Spain. Hydrobiol. 299: 207–213.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferriz, R.A., C.A. Bentos & S.E. Gómez. 1999. Fecundidad en Jenynsia lineata y Cnesterodon decemmaculatus (Pisces, Cyprinodontiformes) de la pampasia argentina. Acta Biol. Venez. 19: 33–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Geisler, R. & S.R. Annibal. 1986. Ecology of the cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi (Pisces, Characoidea) in the River Basin of the Río Negro/Brazil as well as breeding-related factors. An. Res. Develop. 23: 7–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hernández, A.R. (ed.). 1989. Cultivo de Colossoma. Editora Guadalupe, Bogotá. 475 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herrera, M. & C. Fernández-Delgado. 1994. The age, growth and reproduction of Chondrostoma polylepis willkommi in a seasonal stream in the Guadalquivir River basin (southern Spain). J. Fish Biol. 44: 11–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lozada, M., S. Ortubay & V. Cussac. 2000. Fright reaction in Gymnocharacinus bergi (Pisces, Characidae), a relic fish from Patagonia. Env. Biol. Fish. 58: 227–232.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lowe-McConnel, R.H. 1984. The status of studies on South American freshwater food fishes. pp. 139–156. In: T.M. Zaret (ed.) Evolutionary Ecology of Neotropical Freshwater Fishes, Dr W. Junk Publishers, The Hague.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lüling, K.H. 1978. Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse des Forschunsaufenthaltes Dr. K.H. Lüling in Argentinien 1975: über den Biotop des patagonischen Messingsalmers Gymnocharacinus bergi (Pisces, Characoidei). Zool. Anz. 201: 410–423.

    Google Scholar 

  • Machado-Allison, A. 1992. Larval ecology of fish of the Orinoco Basin. pp. 45–81. In: W.D. Hamlett (ed.) Reproductive Biology of South American Vertebrates, Springer-Verlag, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Macchi, P.J., V.E. Cussac, M.F. Alonso & M.A. Denegri. 1999. Predation relationships between introduced salmonids and the native fish fauna in lakes and reservoirs in northern Patagonia. Ecol. Freshwater Fishes 8: 227–236.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martoja, R. & M. Martoja-Pierson. 1970. Técnicas de histología animal. Editorial Toray-Masson, Barcelona. 350 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matkovic, M. & A. Pisanó. 1989a. Estado macro y microscópico de Hoplias m. malabaricus (Pisces, Erythrynidae). I: Fase larval. Rev. Brasil Biol. 49: 553–559.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matkovic, M. & A. Pisanó. 1989b. Estado macro y microscópico de Hoplias m. malabaricus (Pisces, Erythrynidae). II: Fase post larval. Rev. Brasil Biol. 49: 571–582.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matthews, W.J. 1998. Patterns in freshwater fish ecology. Chapman & Hall, New York. 756 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDowall, R.M. 1969. A juvenile of Aplochiton jenyns. Copeia 1969: 631–632.

  • McDowall, R.M. 1971a. Fishes of the family Aplochitonidae. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 1: 31–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDowall, R.M. 1971b. The galaxiid fish of South America. Zool. Linnean Soc. 50: 33–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Menezes, M.S. de & A.E.A. Vazzoler. 1992. Reproductive characteristics of Characiformes. pp. 60–70. In: W.D. Hamlet (ed.) Reproductive Biology of South American Vertebrates, Springer-Verlag, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Menni, R.C. & A.E. Almirón. 1994. Reproductive seasonality in fishes of man-made ponds in temperate South America. Neotrópica 40: 75–85.

    Google Scholar 

  • Menni, R.C. & S.E. Gómez. 1995. On the habitat and isolation of Gymnocharacinus bergi (Osteichthyes: Characidae). Env. Biol. Fish. 42: 15–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Menni, R.C., S.E. Gómez & F. López Armengol. 1996. Subtle relationships: freshwater fishes andwater chemistry in southern South America. Hydrobiologia 328: 173–197.

    Google Scholar 

  • Milano, D. 1996. Reproducción de la perca de boca chica Percichthys trucha (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840) del lago Moreno. Licenciate Thesis, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Carlos de Bariloche, 54 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miquelarena, A. & R. Arámburu. 1983. Osteología y lepidología de Gymnocharacinus bergi (Pisces, Characidae). Limnobios 2: 491–512.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moyle, P.B. & J.J. Cech. 1982. Fishes. An introduction to Ichthyology. Prentice-Hall, Engelwood Cliffs. 593 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagahama, Y. 1983. The functional morphology of teleost gonads. pp. 223–276. In: W.S. Hoar, D.J. Randall & E.M. Donaldson (ed.) Fish Physiology, Reproduction, Part A, Endocrine Tissues and Hormones, Vol. IX, Academic Press, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Norusis, M. 1986. SPSS/PC+. Advanced statistics. SPSS, Chicago. 328 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ortubay, S. 1998. Biología de Gymnocharacinus bergi (Pisces, Characidae). Doctoral Thesis, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Carlos de Bariloche. 184 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ortubay, S. & V. Cussac. 2000. Threatened fishes of the world: Gymnocharacinus bergi Steindachner, 1903 (Characidae). Env. Biol. Fish. 58: 144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ortubay, S.G., S.E. Gómez & V.E. Cussac. 1997. Lethal temperatures of a Neotropical fish relic in Patagonia, the scaleless characinid Gymnocharacinus bergi. Env. Biol. Fish. 49: 341–350.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ortubay, S., L. Semenas, C. Ubeda, A. Quaggiotto & G. Viozzi. 1994. Catálogo de peces dulceacuícolas de la Patagonia argentina y sus parásitos metazoos. Dirección de Pesca, Subsecretaría de Recursos Naturales, Provincia de Río Negro. 110 pp.

  • Ortubay, S & D. Wegrzyn. 1991. Fecundación artificial y desarrollo embrionario de Galaxias platei Steindachner, 1898 (Salmoniformes, Galaxiidae). Medio Ambiente 11: 84–89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reis Lamas, Y. & A. Lima Godinho. 1996. Reproduction in the piranha Serrasalmus spilopleura, a neotropical fish with an unusual pattern of sexual maturity. Env. Biol. Fish. 45: 161–168.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ringuelet, R.A. 1975. Zoogeografía y ecología de los peces de aguas continentales de la Argentina y consideraciones sobre las áreas ictiológicas de América del Sur. Ecosur 2: 1–122.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ringuelet, R.A., R.H. Arámburu & M.A. de Arámburu. 1967. Los peces argentinos de agua dulce. Comisión de Investigación Científica de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, La Plata. 602 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruzzante, D.E., S.J. Walde, V.E. Cussac, P.J. Macchi & M.F. Alonso. 1998. Trophic polymorphism, habitat and diet segregation in Percichthys trucha (Pisces: Percichthyidae) in the Andes. Biol. J. Linn. Soc. 65: 191–214.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saint-Paul, U. 1986. Potential for aquaculture of South American freshwater fishes: a review. Aquaculture 54: 205–240.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weitzman, S.H. & R.P. Vari. 1988. Miniaturization in South American freshwater fishes: an overview and discussion. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 101: 444–465.

    Google Scholar 

  • Welcomme, R.L. 1985. River fisheries. FAO Fish. Tech. Pap. 262, Rome. 330 pp.

  • Youson, J.H. 1988. First metamorphosis. pp. 135–196. In: W.S. Hoar & D.J. Randall (ed.) Fish Physiology, Vol. XI B, Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral, 1250, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina

    Víctor Cussac & Silvia Ortubay

  2. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina

    Víctor Cussac

Authors
  1. Víctor Cussac
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Silvia Ortubay
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Cussac, V., Ortubay, S. Gametogenesis and Development of Gymnocharacinus Bergi (Pisces, Characidae): Reproductive Mode Relative to Environmental Stability. Environmental Biology of Fishes 63, 289–297 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014396327117

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014396327117

Search

Navigation