The reproductive style of Diplodus capensis (Sparidae) in southern Angola: rudimentary hermaphroditism or partial protandry?

Abstract

The reproductive style of Diplodus capensis was examined in an unexploited coastal area in southern Angola. The mean length of females was significantly greater than that of males and, although not significant, females dominated the older age classes. The overall sex ratio was 1 male:4.7 females and female dominance increased with size. Histological analysis of gonads revealed that this species is a rudimentary hermaphrodite, with individuals possessing a non-functional bipotential ovotes-tis in the juvenile phase. Histological examination of the gonads of four macroscopically staged ‘intersex’ individuals suggested that they were functional males with a persistent ovarian portion in their gonads from the juvenile ovotestis. The heavily female-biased sex ratio and female dominance in the larger length classes are thought to be an alternative to sex change that is more resilient to exploitation when compared with the protandrous strategy displayed by the South African population of D. capensis.