ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University Townsville
Queensland 4811 Australia
Phone: 61 7 4781 4000
Email: info@coralcoe.org.au
The widespread occurrence of hermaphroditism in teleosts has interested not only fish biologists, but also evolutionary ecologists and resource managers. Two hermaphroditic grouper species, the chocolate hind (Cephalopholis boenak) and the orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) were studied in relation to their early gonad development. The former is the last remaining grouper of any abundance in Hong Kong waters; the later is the most common mariculture grouper in southern China. Both species are confirmed as diandric, where some individuals mature directly as male (primary males) and others first mature as female and then change sex to male at a later stage (secondary males). Unlike some other diandric, protogynous hermaphrodites where primary males have distinct male gonads prior to maturation, all juveniles passed through an ovarian phase then a bisexual phase prior to sexual differentiation and first sexual maturation. These findings improve our understanding of sexual ontogeny in groupers and demonstrate the importance of including early gonad examination in the diagnosis of hermaphroditism. Using a clearly defined set of diagnostic criteria, a re-examination of all primary literature was conducted to document the incidence of hermaphroditism among all teleost families. We are now using our improved understanding of the ecology, life history and social behaviour of groupers to assist with their conservation and management.
Australian scientists have discovered a massive detached coral reef just off Cape York on the Great Barrier Reef that’s taller than the Empire State Building or the Sydney Tower. The scientists f
A new study of the Great Barrier Reef shows populations of its small, medium and large corals have all declined in the past three decades. Lead author Dr Andy Dietzel, from the ARC Centre of Excell
Scientists have found that as the world undergoes profound environmental change, identifying and protecting ‘novel’ communities of species can help prevent extinctions within vulnerable ecosystems
Scientists say a ‘portfolio’ of protected areas within marine parks such as the Great Barrier Reef can help secure sustainable fish populations. Dr Hugo Harrison from the ARC Centre of Excellen
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Partner Research Institutions
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University Townsville
Queensland 4811 Australia
Phone: 61 7 4781 4000
Email: info@coralcoe.org.au
