Reproductive Potential of Stone Moroko (Pseudorasbora parva, Temminck et Schlegel, 1846) (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Gobionidae) Inhabiting Central Europe

Abstract

Similar to other invasive species, stone moroko is extending its global distribution. The present study aimed to assess the reproductive potential of stone moroko fish in a new habitat in Poland based on analysing the sexual cycle and fecundity. Fish morphometric data, age, and gonadal structures were analysed. Fish age ranged from 0+ to 5+ years. Most females and males (93% and 60%, respectively) had reached sexual maturity in the first year of their life, with the smallest length of 25 mm and 28 mm, respectively. The mean, standard length of the body was 50 mm. The spawning season was spread over four months from late-April to mid-August. Females laid eggs in portions, and the absolute and relative fecundity was 1372 and 1691, respectively. Stone moroko males were ready to spawn for a longer time period than females. The present study shows greater reproductive potential of stone moroko population in the central Europe than the native population, suggesting its successful colonisation in the new habitat.

Does behaviour contribute to the previously documented invasive success of topmouth gudgeon?

“…From there, the species was able to spread westward throughout the Danube Basin (Gozlan et al, 2010). P. parva exhibit highly plastic life‐history traits, including early maturity, short life span, sexual dimorphism in body size, batch spawning and male nest guarding behaviour (Gozlan et al, 2010; Kirczuk et al, 2021). Adding its tolerance of a wide range of environmental conditions (Pinder et al, 2005), the species possesses many characteristics of a successful invader and it was experimentally shown that small numbers of founders might be sufficient to start a biological invasion (Britton et al, 2015) and have measurable impact on the ecosystem already at low densities (Jackson et al, 2015).…”