Journal article
Flexibility for fuelling reproduction in a pelagic ray (Mobula eregoodoo) suggested by bioenergetic modelling
Journal of Fish Biology, Vol.100(3), pp.783-792
25/03/2022
PMID: 35049041
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Source: InCites
Abstract
This study investigated the measurements of energy density and bioenergetic modelling for a pelagic ray, Mobula eregoodoo, to estimate its relative allocation to various bodily processes and especially reproduction. The data revealed M. eregoodoo uses up to 21.0% and 2.5% of its annual energy budget on growth and reproduction, respectively. During pregnancy, females depleted energy reserves in the liver, which, along with their biennial reproductive cycle, aligns with general theory that ectotherms are capital breeders and thus build energy reserves before reproduction. Nonetheless, the reduction in energy reserves did not account for all reproductive costs, and therefore, gravid females supplement reproductive costs through energy derived from the diet, according to an income-breeding strategy. These characteristics imply that M. eregoodoo exhibits some flexibility in fuelling reproduction depending on energy availability throughout the reproductive cycle, which may be prevalent in other elasmobranchs. The data represent the first estimates of both the metabolic costs of gestation in elasmobranchs and the relative cost of reproduction in rays. Energy costs and plasticity associated with highly variable reproductive strategies in elasmobranchs may influence long-term population viability under a rapidly changing environment.
Details
- Title
- Flexibility for fuelling reproduction in a pelagic ray (Mobula eregoodoo) suggested by bioenergetic modelling
- Creators
- Christopher L Lawson - School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, AustraliaChristine L Dudgeon - School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, AustraliaAnthony J Richardson - Centre for Applications in Natural Resource Mathematics, School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, AustraliaMatt K Broadhurst - Southern Cross UniversityMichael B Bennett - University of Queensland
- Publication Details
- Journal of Fish Biology, Vol.100(3), pp.783-792
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
- Identifiers
- 991012990272002368
- Academic Unit
- National Marine Science Centre
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article