Investigating the effects of algal turbidity on mate choice and reproduction of the dwarf seahorse (Hippocampus zosterae)
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Authors
Patel, Darshi Narendrakumar
Issue Date
2025-07-31
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Academic theses , Biology , Sea horses , Animal behavior , Sexual selection , Reproduction , Eutrophication , Aquatic ecology , Environmental Impact Assessment Project , Tampa Bay (Fla.)
Alternative Title
Abstract
Algal-induced turbidity can alter several important aspects of reproduction and sexual selection. The dwarf seahorse (<i>Hippocampus zosterae</i>) is a monogamous species that displays reciprocal courtship behaviors, exhibits male pregnancy, and serve as an indicator species for threatened seagrass ecosystems. Given the year-round variation in turbidity reported at our study site in Tampa Bay, Florida, this study investigated the impact of algal turbidity and varying sex ratios on mate choice parameters and reproductive success of seahorses. The experimental design consisted of an equal 1:1 sex ratio and two sex-biased treatments: female-biased (2F:1M), and male-biased (1F:2M) with varying sized mate options in clear and turbid water (n = 8, 128 seahorses). In the turbid treatment, mating latency was significantly lower, and the number of non-transferred eggs is significantly higher than for fishes in clear water. However, the mate choice preferences, reproductive success, and behavioral rates were not impacted due to turbidity. Results reveal that behavioral investment is a strong indicator of mate choice preferences in sex-biased treatments regardless of turbidity. The reproductive output was greater in the sex-biased treatments as compared to the paired treatments. These minimal impacts of turbidity suggest that dwarf seahorses may have adapted to the varying seasonal eutrophic conditions in Tampa Bay and provide validity for prior findings from laboratory behavioral studies in this species. The findings of this study will allow us to predict potential changes in the mating system and reproductive success of seahorses under threat from higher fluctuation of human induced eutrophic conditions.
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tThis dissertation is protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States (Public Law 94-553, revised in 1976). Consistent with fair use as defined in the Copyright Laws, brief quotations from this material are allowed with proper acknowledgement. Use of the materials for financial gain with the author's expressed written permissions is not allowed.IS DISSER