Abstract
We report life history characteristics for 4 recently established populations of western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). Mosquitofish from thermally stable habitats, Bonham and Garrett, were characterized by maturity at large sizes, high fat reserves, and large embryos. In contrast, females from a thermally unstable habitat, Wabuska, matured at small sizes and had low fat reserves and small embryos. Females from Parker, a site with no appreciable thermal input, matured at intermediate sizes and had low fat reserves as well as large embryos. These populations shared a common ancestor in 1937; therefore, these results suggest either phenotypic plasticity or rapid evolution.
Recommended Citation
Stockwell, Craig A. and Vinyard, Gary L.
(2000)
"Life history variation in recently established populations of western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis),"
Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 60:
No.
3, Article 4.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol60/iss3/4