Ecology and Physiology of Sex Reversal in Anthias squamipinnis (Peters), (Teleostei: Anthiidae)

Abstract

In the strategy of propagation in teleost fishes, intersexuality and sex-reversal seem to be no less important than “normal”, genetically fixed bi-sexual reproduction. The more we know about these animals, the more taxa appear exposing innate abilities for sex changes at various stages of their life cycles (Reinboth, 1961, 1962; Atz, 1964, 1965; Hoar, 1969; Roede, 1972). This process of sex-reversal is very common among the serranoid fishes, typical being the protogynous cycle in the genus Anthias and related species (Reinboth, 1964; Fishelson, 1970). Numerous papers have been published about these interesting fishes, but only a few of them were performed on extensive material in the natural habitats. In our region, Anthias squamipinnis (Peters) is one of the most common fishes found along the western shore of the Gulf of Aqaba, along the Sinai Peninsula (Fishelson, 1970; Popper and Fishelson, 1973). Their typical habitats are shallow-water coral formations, especially isolated coral knolls and pinnacles, usually found in front of the descending coral walls (Fishelson, 1971). Here, A. squamipinnis form stationary groups, active during daytime but hiding within the coral crevices during nighttime.

Partly sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution Grant, No. SFC’-7–0074.