Reproductive characteristics of the Humbug dascyllus, Dascyllus aruanus in Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia

Abstract

Reproduction of coral reef fish is varied and quite complex. The spawning of many species in coral reef area was influenced by stimuli of environmental cues, such as lunar cycle and rainfall. The Humbug dascyllus, Dascyllus aruanus is one of major components in coral reef fish assemblages of Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia. In this study, we investigated the reproductive characteristics of D. aruanus in Weno Island of Chuuk Lagoon. Reproductive patterns of D. aruanus exhibited multiple spawner characteristics, including coexistence of various maturity stages in maturity process of ovary and testis. However, our knowledge was not clear understanding the relationship between spawning activity and environmental cues. Therefore, it needed to further studies.f major components in coral reef fish assemblages of Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia. In this study, we investigated the reproductive characteristics of D. aruanus in Weno Island of Chuuk Lagoon. Reproductive patterns of D. aruanus exhibited multiple spawner characteristics, including coexistence of various maturity stages in maturity process of ovary and testis. However, our knowledge was not clear understanding the relationship between spawning activity and environmental cues. Therefore, it needed to further studies.