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| Hot & Bothered: Elevated Temperatures Impact Sperm Quality & Mating Behavior in a Live-bearing Fish |
| Andrea S Aspbury, Caitlin R Gabor, Emily A Powell, Mar Huertas Pau, Skyler Shibuya. Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States |
Freshwater fish are highly vulnerable to temperature increases, influenced by factors like urban heat islands and climate change. We studied the impact of short-term elevated temperatures on reproductive traits and mating behaviors in male mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), a widespread and tolerant species. Male mosquitofish exposed to 5 days of warming water (27-35�C) in the lab exhibited reduced mating behavior and longer latency before attempting mating compared to those at a constant 27�C. Sperm count, motility, DNA fragmentation, and oxidative status showed no significant differences between elevated and lower temperature treatments. Yet, sperm velocity was lower in elevated temperature, correlating negatively with thrust latency. These findings indicate reproductive challenges near the upper thermal tolerance limits for male mosquitofish, highlighting the intricate relationship between sperm quality and mating behaviors under environmental stressors. Such impacts may extend to less tolerant fish species and other ectothermic animals as local and global temperatures rise. |