Differences in thermal tolerance in coexisting sexual and asexual mollies (Poecilia, Poeciliidae, Teleostei) |
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| Authors: | C Fischer † and I Schlupp ‡ |
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| Institution: | Systematics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Carl von Ossietzky-Str. 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; and Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, U.S.A. |
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| Abstract: | This study reports significant differences between the gynogenetic Amazon molly Poecilia formosa and one of its sperm hosts, and the sexual sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna in the critical temperatures at which individual fishes lost motion control. Based on these measurements, it is suggested that cold snaps occurring in winter, but not summer temperatures, can significantly change population composition of these closely related fishes by inflicting higher mortality on P. formosa . |
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| Keywords: | coexistence gynogenesis maintenance of sex Poecilia formosa Poecilia latipinna water temperature |
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