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Underwater observations on the reproductive activity of the demoiselleChromis dispilus (Pisces: Pomacentridae)

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Abstract

Reproductive behaviour of the demoiselleChromis dispilus Griffin was studied along the coast and offshore islands of north-eastern New Zealand. Spawning occurred at intervals over the summer months, December to March. Males displayed nursery behaviour and nest-guarding during the incubation period of the eggs. Juvenile growth was initially very rapid. A comparison of reproductive activities with other species ofChromis show a basic similarity in behaviour, although the demoiselle appears to differ in certain behavioural patterns associated with spawning.

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Communicated by G.F.Humphrey, Cronulla

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Russell, B.C. Underwater observations on the reproductive activity of the demoiselleChromis dispilus (Pisces: Pomacentridae). Mar. Biol. 10, 22–29 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02026762

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