Tropicalisation of a damselfish (Gulf Damsel, Pristotis obtusirostris Günther 1862) in temperate Australian waters, with the first detailed observations of mass spawning
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The first confirmed observations of wild spawning behaviour in the tropical Gulf Damselfish Pristotis obtusirostris were recorded within the temperate Port Stephens estuary, south‐eastern Australia. In 2025, large aggregations occurred at two sites, with males guarding adhesive eggs within defined nesting areas containing densities of up to 1.1 nests per m 2 and dozens of nests per site. During nesting, males displayed reproductive behaviours including colour darkening, nest tending and egg aeration. These findings demonstrate successful reproduction well beyond the species' typical range and highlight accelerating tropicalisation within temperate reef fish communities.
Source: Journal of Fish Biology
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.70483
Authors: D. Harasti, T. R. Davis
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7160615092