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Near-global spawning strategies of large pelagic fish

Author

Listed:
  • Kristine Camille V. Buenafe

    (The University of Queensland
    The University of Queensland
    Queensland Biosciences Precinct (QBP))

  • Sandra Neubert

    (The University of Queensland
    The University of Queensland
    Queensland Biosciences Precinct (QBP)
    University of Exeter)

  • Kylie L. Scales

    (University of the Sunshine Coast)

  • Daniel C. Dunn

    (The University of Queensland
    The University of Queensland)

  • Jason D. Everett

    (The University of Queensland
    The University of Queensland
    Queensland Biosciences Precinct (QBP)
    The University of New South Wales)

  • Jason Flower

    (University of California
    University of California
    University of California)

  • Iain M. Suthers

    (The University of New South Wales
    Sydney Institute of Marine Science)

  • Pablo Granados-Dieseldorff

    (Waitt Institute)

  • Alvise Dabalà

    (The University of Queensland
    The University of Queensland)

  • Kris Jypson T. Esturas

    (The University of Queensland)

  • James Mercer

    (The University of New South Wales)

  • Anthony J. Richardson

    (The University of Queensland
    The University of Queensland
    Queensland Biosciences Precinct (QBP))

Abstract

Understanding the spawning strategies of large pelagic fish could provide insights into their underlying evolutionary drivers, but large-scale information on spawning remains limited. Here we leverage a near-global larval dataset of 15 large pelagic fish taxa to develop habitat suitability models and use these as a proxy for spawning grounds. Our analysis reveals considerable consistency in spawning in time and space, with 10 taxa spawning in spring/summer and 9 taxa spawning off Northwest Australia. Considering the vast ocean expanse available for spawning, these results suggest that the evolutionary benefits of co-locating spawning in terms of advantageous larval conditions outweigh the benefits of segregated spawning in terms of reduced competition and lower larval predation. Further, tropical species spawn over broad areas throughout the year, whereas more subtropical and temperate species spawn in more restricted areas and seasons. These insights into the spawning strategies of large pelagic fish could inform marine management, including through fisheries measures to protect spawners and through the placement of marine protected areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Kristine Camille V. Buenafe & Sandra Neubert & Kylie L. Scales & Daniel C. Dunn & Jason D. Everett & Jason Flower & Iain M. Suthers & Pablo Granados-Dieseldorff & Alvise Dabalà & Kris Jypson T. Estura, 2025. "Near-global spawning strategies of large pelagic fish," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63106-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63106-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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