Evolution of Oryzias of Sulawesi

In collaboration with Dr. Fabian Herder (ZFMK, Bonn, Germany) and Dr. Renny Hadiaty (LIPI, Bogor, Indonesia) we have identified new species of ricefish including a species from a hill stream from Tana Toraja, Sulawesi. This new species, while morphologically different from all other species of ricefish, shares a conspicous pelvic brooding strategy with ricefish endemic in lakes in Sulawesi. The eggs are connected to the female’s urogenital pore area by attaching filaments for the whole time of development. We compare the group of egg depositing species with pelvic brooders to learn about this reproductive mode of Sulawesi ricefishes.

Female Oryzias eversi carry clusters of eggs until the embryos hatch. Female O. eversi show a conspicuous abdominal concavity and prolonged pelvic fins, accommodating and holding the eggs. This new species of ricefish highlights the island’s role as hotspot of adrianichthyid diversity (Picture: H.G. Evers).
Web-View
Print Page
Open in new window
Estimated DIN-A4 page-width
Go to Editor View