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The next week, another spawning was observed in exactly the same manner. This time the egg
mass/raft was taken for photographs after giving sufficient time for fertilization (if any). Again,
unfortunately, no embryo development was observed.
Size female (mm): 100-120
Food given: Live mysids, small fishes, boiled mussel meat
Tank: Fishes were kept in 5000 liter FRP quarantine tanks
Spawning
Unfortunately, I couldnt observe any courtship behaviour or pre-spawning activity. The shear
size of the egg mass/raft indicates the need of external pressure to release the massive egg mass.
The females were observed in a mature condition along with a group attached to drifting
sargassum weeds. The females had round abdomens, apparently in a bursting condition. The
female made a splashing sound while releasing the egg mass. In both cases, the egg mass/rafts
were found attached to the air tubes just where it touched the water surface. Its definitely a
promising species for reproductive biology studies.
Spawning occurred in the open water column near the surface. The splashing sound heard
indicates the release occurred very close to the surface. In both cases the females released the
eggs near the surface and the egg masses were found laid over the airline floating on the water
surface. This may be a spawning behaviour in this species as in nature the fishes were found
among the floating sargassum weeds. This behaviour might be an adaptation for ensuring proper
fertilization in this species as their entire habitat is highly mobile.
There is every possibility that fertilization is external. As in both the cases the eggs were found
unfertilized and no cell division was noticed. Its also very unlikely to have internal fertilization
in this species as the ova are well protected inside the gelatinous matrix.
There are two possible points where fertilization could occur:
(1) when the ova are still in the matrix and the sperm find their way into it. This is like that of
their family members like lion/scorpion (Pterois) where the egg balls are formed, the male
fertilizes them and his sperm enters into this matrix. In this case, the lack of egg development
may be due to the absence of males/mature males in the group.
Microphotograph of Eggs/Ova:
(2) Another probability is that fertilization occurs after the dissolution of the gelatinous structure.
If the fertilization occurs at this time, then timing has to be very essential. In the open ocean, the
chances of fertilization are limited if the egg mass is moving as sargassum fishes tend to be slow
movers and rarely find it comfortable to move away from the weeds. This also explains the
behaviour of surface spawning and the necessity to attach/hang the egg masses on floating
objects. The morphology and mobility of the sperm of the species will be of great interest.
Egg mass/raft description
Large (30-35 cm), gelatinous, transparent, apparently double layered structure with numerous
eggs egg/ova embedded in the matrix spaces (see photos). The middle portion of the egg
mass/structure was distinctly wider than both ends, though the ends were not tapering (some
thing like elliptical with blunt ends). I was unable to locate any exterior opening of the egg mass,
perhaps because I took too much care not to spoil the eggs.
Egg development
No development was noticed; the matrix disappeared on the second day. This provided great
space for the microbes to develop and the eggs were decayed.
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