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Journal Article

Tropicalisation of a damselfish (Gulf Damsel, Pristotis obtusirostris Günther 1862) in temperate Australian waters, with the first detailed observations of mass spawning

D. Harasti; T. R. Davis
Journal of Fish Biology · Vol. 109, Issue 2 · pp. 1300-1303 · 2026

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.

Bibliographic Information

JournalJournal of Fish Biology
PublisherWiley
Publication Date2026-05-08
Publication Year2026
Volume109
Issue2
Pages1300-1303
Document TypeJournal Article
Print ISSN0022-1112
eISSN1095-8649
DOI10.1111/jfb.70483
SubjectGeneral Aquaculture, Fisheries & Fish Science

Access Information

NARA Access Coverage1997-01-01~Current
Journal Homepagehttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/loi/10958649
Publisher PageOpen Publisher Page
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