Pectoral fin morphology as a reliable field sexing characteristic in populations of the invasive oriental weatherfish (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)

Alexander N. Urquhart, Peter Koetsier

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Invasive Oriental Weatherfish (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) populations have become established in many countries worldwide. To understand the invasive potential of this non-indigenous species, information about its demography and life history within these novel habitats is needed. Here we present data supporting the use of pectoral fin morphology for determining sex within a population of weatherfish in and around Boise, Idaho, USA. Enlargement of the second pectoral-fin ray and presence of a lamina circularis was seen in males both mature and immature. No such morphology was seen in females. Examination of gonadal tissue confirmed external sex determination in 99% of mature females, 97% of mature males, and 70% of juveniles less than 10 cm total length. This study is the first to verify use of sexually dimorphic fin characteristics as a field diagnostic in an invasive population of Oriental Weatherfish.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)296-300
Number of pages5
JournalCopeia
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 28 Jun 2011

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