:: Current research project

Interpopulational variation in reproductive behaviour in the peacock blenny

A Portuguese population of the peacock blenny Salaria pavo presents behavioural characteristics which differ from other known populations of this species, namely sex-role reversal and the existence of alternative reproductive tactics. These are thought to be related to ecological constraints such as scarceness of suitable nesting substrate and high aggregation of nests during breeding season.

The aim of this study is to find out the possible underlying factors (ecological, neuroendocrinal and genetic) leading to these differences, through comparing populations living in different environments. Field work and experiments are carried out in the Gulf of Trieste, Italy and Slovenia (rocky shores with high abundance of nests) and in Ria Formosa, Portugal (coastal lagoon with scarceness of nests).

The answers to these questions should contribute to the knowledge of how ecology influences behaviour and how behavioural plasticity helps to cope with ecological constraints.

Funded by: FCT - SFRH/BD/10764/2002

:: Selected publications

- Saraiva, J.L., Gonçalves, D. and Oliveira, R.F. 2009. Environmental modulation of androgen levels and secondary sex characters in two populations of the peacock blenny Salaria pavo. Hormones and Behavior . in press

- Saraiva, J.L., E.N. Barata, A.V.M. Canario and Oliveira, R.F. 2009. The effect of nest aggregation on the reproductive behaviour of the peacock blenny Salaria pavo (Risso). Journal of Fish Biology (74): 754-762.

- Saraiva, J., Barata, E, Canário, A.V.M. and Oliveira, R. 2003. Effects of spatial distribution of nest sites on social behaviour of the peacock blenny. (Abstract) Revista de Etologia (Sociedade Brasileira de Etologia) – Suplemento XXVIII International Ethological Conference, 5: 205.

- Flores, A., Saraiva, J. and Paula, J. 2002. Sexual maturity and juvenile recruitment of Perisesarma guttatum (Brachyura, Sesarmidae) at Ponta Rasa mangrove swamp, Inhaca island, Mozambique. Journal of Crustacean Biology 22(1): 143-156.

- Flores, A., Saraiva, J. and Paula, J. 2000. Early juvenile abundance and growth of Sesarma guttatum at Ponta Rasa mangrove, Inhaca island.- In: Macrobenthos of Eastern African Mangroves: life cycles and reproductive biology of exploited species, Final Report Pp: 150-155.

- Flores, A., Saraiva, J. and Paula, J. 2000. Reproductive cycles of Sesarma guttatum at Ponta Rasa mangrove, Inhaca island, Southern Mozambique. - In: Macrobenthos of Eastern African Mangroves: life cycles and reproductive biology of exploited species, Final Report Pp: 7-12.