Differences in thermal tolerance in coexisting sexual and asexual mollies (Poecilia, Poeciliidae, Teleostei).
This study reports significant differences between the gynogenetic Amazon molly Poecilia formosa and one of its sperm hosts, and the sexual sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna in the critical temperatures at which individual fishes lost motion control. Based on these measurements, it is suggested that cold snaps occurring in winter, but not summer temperatures, can significantly change population composition of these closely related fishes by inflicting higher mortality on P. formosa.
Fischer
C
C
Systematics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Carl von Ossietzky-Str. 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany. claus.fischer@uni-oldenburg.de
Schlupp
I
I
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011036:Poecilia / Q000502:physiology*; D012100:Reproduction, Asexual; D012621:Seasons; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013696:Temperature