Multiple paternity in viviparous kelp rockfish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sebastes atrovirens</Emphasis>

Analysis of multilocus microsatellite genotypes revealed multiple paternity for all of the seven viable broods of larvae produced by kelp rockfish, Sebastes atrovirens (Jordan and Gilbert 1880), held jointly in a large aquarium tank (n = eight females and eight males). Only two of the eight experimental males were identified as fathers, and alleles not found in any of the captive males were present in all seven broods, demonstrating paternity by wild males external to the experiment. Thus, all of the females mated with one or more males prior to capture, confirming that female kelp rockfish are capable of storing sperm and controlling the overall timing of egg fertilization. These results highlight the potential for a paternal influence on larval quality through female mate choice and sperm competition.