Reproductive trade-offs in a temperate reef fish under high pCO2 levels. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Faria, A.M.; Lopes, A.F.; Silva, C.S.E.; Novais, S.C.; Lemos, M.F.L.; Gonçalves, E.J.
• Is Part Of: Marine environmental research. Volume 137(2018)
• Page Start: 8
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Biomarker -- Energy metabolism -- Fish -- Gobiusculus flavescens -- Ocean acidification -- Reproductive success; Marine pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Marine ecology -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Écologie marine -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 577.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.02.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-1136

Abstract

Abstract: Fishes are currently facing novel types of anthropogenic stressors that have never experienced in their evolutionary history, such as ocean acidification. Under these stressful conditions, energetically costly processes, such as reproduction, may be sacrificed for increased chances of survival. This trade-off does not only affect the organism itself but may result in reduced offspring fitness. In the present study, the effects of exposure to high p CO2 levels were tested on the reproductive performance of a temperate species, the two-spotted goby, Gobiusculus flavescens . Breeding pairs were kept under control (∼600 μatm, pH∼ 8.05) and high p CO2 levels (∼2300 μatm, pH∼ 7.60) conditions for a 4-month period. Additionally, oxidative stress and energy metabolism-related biomarkers were measured. Results suggest that reproductive activity is stimulated under high p CO2 levels. Parental pairs in the simulated ocean acidification conditions exhibited increased reproductive output, with 50% more clutches and 44% more eggs per clutch than pairs under control conditions. However, there was an apparent trade-off between offspring number and size, as larvae of parental pairs under high p CO2 levels hatched significantly smaller, suggesting differences in parental provisioning, which could be related to the fact that these females produce more eggs. Moreover, results support the hypothesis of different energy allocation strategies used by females under high p CO2 conditions. These changes might, ultimately, affect individual fitness and population replenishment. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Reproductive activity in two-spotted goby is stimulated under high p CO2 levels. Females under high p CO2 levels produce more eggs. Larvae of parental pairs under high p CO2 levels hatch smaller. Different energy allocation strategies are used by females under . High p CO2 levels.