The round goby is an invasive fish. — The invasive round goby fish has successfully established itself in many environments.

Photo: Leon Gren

Alternative reproductive tactics and sperm performance in round goby

Published

9 November 2020

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New publication from CeMEB members Leon Green and Charlotta Kvarnemo and collegues, shed light on the role of salinity on sperm performance in the invasive round goby fish. The results may have implications for the round gobys´ ability to successfully establish in new environments.

The invasive round goby, Neogobius melanostomus, has two male reproductive tactics: dominant nest‐holding males and sneaking males that reproduce by stealing fertilizations. In this study we examined how water salinity can affect sperm performance and thus success of different reproductive tactics.

Our results show that low salinity conditions can decrease sperm performance and suggest that males can limit themselves from investing in sneak spawnings during unfavorable conditions, for example low salinity. Instead, they can invest their energy in growth until they are large enough to become successful nest holders. This highlights a life‐history related trait that might promote the invasiveness of the species.

Read the article: Alternative reproductive tactics are associated with sperm performance in invasive round goby from two different salinity environments.

Authors: Green L, Niemax J, Herrmann JP, Temming A, Kvarnemo C.

Published in Ecology and Evolution, September 2020

Area

Sustainability and environment Science and Information Technology