Density effects on reproduction in natural populations of the staghorn damsel, Amblyglyphidodon curacao.

Staghorn damselfish Amblyglyphidodon curacao were sampled underwater over 2 reproductive seasons from 4 reefs of differing coral cover on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Plasma levels of estradiol (E2) [females], 11-ketostestosterone (11KT) [males], and testosterone (T) [both sexes] were correlated with reproductive development, and population density at each of the sites. In year 1, females from the site where population density was highest were smaller than fish from other sites, and fecundity was lowest. There were no site differences in plasma levels of T or 11KT in males, or T in females.... Mehr ...