Reproduction of the fish Poeciliopsis gracilis (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) in Coatetelco, a tropical shallow lake in Mexico

Rev Biol Trop. 2008 Dec;56(4):1801-12. doi: 10.15517/rbt.v56i4.5760.

Abstract

A reproductive analysis of 1225 specimens of Poeciliopsis gracilis obtained through monthly samples from Coatetelco, a tropical shallow lake in Central Mexico, was made. There was an evident sexual dimorphism, including a difference in body size at the onset of reproduction. Sex ratio deviated significantly from unity. Monthly variations in gonadosomatic (GSI), hepatosomatic (HSI) indexes and ovarian development stages showed that the spawning season was from July to October, coinciding with the rainy season and phytoplankton biomass increase. The largest sizes were 50 mm for females and 43 mm for males.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Size
  • Environment*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mexico
  • Poecilia / classification
  • Poecilia / growth & development
  • Poecilia / physiology*
  • Reproduction / physiology*
  • Seasons
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Sex Ratio
  • Sexual Maturation / physiology