Addressing Life History Information Gaps in a Data-Deficient Caribbean Reef Fish, The Princess Parrotfish Scarus taeniopterus

Jones, David Delane

Addressing Life History Information Gaps in a Data-Deficient Caribbean Reef Fish, The Princess Parrotfish Scarus taeniopterus

Authors

Jones, David Delane

Abstract

Life history traits are critical areas of study but are largely understudied and unknown in parrotfish species (Family Scaridae). Parrotfishes are protogynous sequential hermaphrodites commonly found on coral reefs worldwide. They serve as important herbivores and have substantial commercial importance in the Caribbean. This thesis provides vital information about the age and growth as well as the sexual development and reproductive biology of princess parrotfish Scarus taeniopterus in the U.S. Caribbean. Sampling occurred in the U.S. Caribbean (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) from October 2015 to February 2020 through fishery-dependent and -independent means. A total of 759 individuals were collected and processed. Sex determination and maturity were completed through standard histological processing and interpreting of gonads. Age determination was accomplished by counting annual increments on sectioned sagittal otoliths. Total lengths of all princess parrotfish ranged from 50-314 mm. Ages ranged from 0 to 11 years. Size and age class composition by sex was representative of a protogynous hermaphrodite. This thesis provided some of the first documented von Bertalanffy parameters and length and age at sexual maturity and transition. Extensive histological examinations suggest that U.S. Caribbean princess parrotfish are batch spawners and lack primary males. Spawning occurs year-round with a potential peak in June. Spawning may be a near-daily occurrence.