Reproductive traits of the “ocellated killifish” Floridichthys polyommus Hubbs, 1936 (Pisces: Cyprinodontidae) inhabiting estuary of the Champotón River (Campeche, Mexico)

This study explores the reproductive biology and the influence of environmental factors on the reproductive traits of Floridichthys polyommus inhabiting the estuary of the Champoton River. The analysis included population structure, gonadal developmental stages, reproductive period, size at first sexual maturity, fecundity, sex ratio, and somatic indexes. A spatio-temporal pattern in the distribution of the seven size classes was detected. The species showed a positive allometric growth. Sex ratio was 1.21:1 (females:males). Size at first maturity was 42.23 mm (females) and 47.8 mm (males). A higher absolute and relative fecundity was detected in Puente Champotón estuary (PCH) with lower salinities than those detected in the Delta (DE). The adaptive significance of this trait could be in response to the heavy osmotic constraint imposed by extreme salinities in the DE. Floridichthys polyommus prefers PCH for spawning, and as a result a higher number of ripe individuals was observed in this site, characterized by the highest nutrient levels, which can boost productivity and food availability for fish. Hepatosomatic index was negatively correlated with gonadosomatic index, suggesting energy transfer from the liver towards gamete production. Floridichthys polyommus exhibits an opportunistic strategy (early maturity, small oocytes, small clutches) suggesting that energy is allocated towards reproduction to compensate for the unpredictable hydrological conditions imposed by the estuary (particularly during the hurricane season). Floridichthys polyommus shows a reproductive strategy exhibited by fish living in unstable systems. A seasonal divergence was observed in the reproductive traits of F. polyommus, while differences between study sites were for fecundity.