Sana Rashid , Janaee Wallace, and Dr. Raelynn Deaton Haynes St. Edward’s University

1. Comparative Male Reproductive Investment Across Three Species of Pipefishes With Differing Mating Systems Sana Rashid, Janaee Wallace, and Dr. Raelynn Deaton Haynes St. Edward’s University https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5216/5384524083_61f5ece12a_z.jpg http://www.sibuya.co.za/files/uploads/images/Longsnout%20pipefish%202.JPG http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpzpn2r7F01qm9k25o1_500.jpg

2. My Experiment • In this experiment I will be collecting sperm from three species of pipefish • Gulf pipefish (Syngnathusscovelli) • Dusky pipefish (Syngnathusfloridae) • Chain pipefish (Syngnathuslouisianae) http://www.nicholls.edu/biol-ds/biol348/fishsets/pics/dusky%20pipefish.jpg http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/images/Syngna_louisi_close.jpg

3. Mating Systems • Dusky pipefish practice polygynandry • Gulf pipefish practice polyandry • It is expected that Chain pipefish practice polygynandry as well. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8294/7866475994_e5a210ef03_z.jpg http://www.bio.tamu.edu/USERS/ajones/Pipefish/images/S_scovelli.jpg http://o.quizlet.com/c2BMw3plKPrH4EolzLG-.w_m.jpg

4. Sexual Selection Theory • The sexual selection theory assumes that organisms can attract more mates if they are appealing to the opposite sex. • In this case we are observing if sperm competition due to mating systems is a factor in the sexual selection. http://www.fishchannel.com/images/exclusives/aquarium-fish-international/pipefish.jpg http://web.evolbio.mpg.de/~mobley/Dusky_Pipefishcrop.jpg

5. Predictions • There should be a relation between gonads/sperm count and mating systems. • Duskies and Chains are expected to have higher sperm count http://www.bio.tamu.edu/USERS/ajones/Pipefish/images/Syngnathus_floridae.jpg http://www.bio.tamu.edu/USERS/ajones/Pipefish/images/Dusky_pipefish.jpg

6. Overall Aim To test assumptions of sexual selection theory by comparing reproductive output of males in related species that differ in mating systems. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Seagrass_Grahams_Harbour.jpg

7. Objective • Figure out methods for sperm extraction • Test if certain morphological features can determine reproductive output http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/habitats/seagrass/images/Seagrass_Turtlegrass1.jpg

8. Methodology • We collected Gulf pipefish and immature Chain pipefish by seining in the Gulf

9. Methodology • Immerse in clove oil • Measure the pipefish • Dissect to gather testes and stage eggs • Isolate testes and gather sperm with saline solution • Count sperm

10. Measurements

11. Data: Length vs. Mean Sperm Number

12. Data: Sperm Count Across Males

13. Sperm Success • Collecting sperm samples was very difficult due to variables such as maturity and how clear testes were • First time collecting sperm with sygnathids • Finding sperm was a huge success http://www.microbehunter.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/counting_chamber2.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/Hemocytometer_with_gloved_hand.JPG http://bioquest.org/icbl/projectfiles/spermh.jpg

14. Obstacles We have only been able to gather Gulf pipefish because Dusky and Chain pipefish appear in July. http://theseasproject.weebly.com/uploads/5/3/8/4/5384258/6567916.jpg?277

15. Future Goals • To take seasonal samples in order to test that sperm varies • Weigh gonads at University of Texas • Increase sample size • Include S. floridaeand S. louisianaeinto sample size to test if sexual selection assumptions hold in sex role reversal species

16. Acknowledgments St. Edward's University Dr. RaelynnDeaton Haynes Janaee Wallace Dr. Richard Kopec TG Public Benefit Grant Program TG Cohort

17. Thank You! Questions?