Reproductive Life History of <i>Fundulus jenkensi</i> and Comparative Development of Five Sympatric Fundulid Species

<p><em>Fundulus</em> <em>jenkinsi</em> is recognized federally and within the state of Mississippi as a Species of Concern. Little is known about the life history of this coastal killifish, but a detailed reproductive histology study of <em>F. jenkinsi</em> and a diagnostic key of the early life stages of select members of Fundulidae can provide the foundation needed to accurately identify it and quantify reproductive parameters in this rare species in need of conservation. Monthly gonadosomatic index (GSI) of male and female <em>F</em>. <em>jenkinsi</em> were documented, and spawning phases and oocyte stages were examined using reproductive histology. In addition, various stages of coastal <em>Fundulus</em> spp. and <em>Adinia</em> <em>xenica</em> have been illustrated and their morphometrics and meristics recorded. While GSI indicated a <em>F. jenkinsi</em> spawning season from April through August, the ovarian histology suggested March through August was a more accurate season. The composition of the ovaries also suggested spawns occur multiple times in a single tidal cycle within a population and on the individual level. The diagnostic key reveals that branchiostegal rays are essential to separate young fundulids into two groups that can then be identified by pigment patterns and morphometrics. This work contributes an estimation of <em>F. jenkinsi</em> spawning frequency and an early development diagnostic key that allows for accurate identification of young fundulid species.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Coastal Sciences, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

Year dc:date.available

2010

Author dc:creator

• Lang, Eric Thomas

Contributors dc:contributor

• Mark Peterson
• Nancy Brown-Peterson
• Bruce Comyns

• Fundulus jenkinsi
• Mississippi
• coastal killfish
• F. jenkinsi
• Aquaculture and Fisheries
• Biology
• Marine Biology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/253

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:aquila.usm.edu:masters_theses-1278