A Spawning Aggregation of Dog Snapper, Lutjanus Jocu (Pisces: Lutjanidae) in Belize, Central America

A spawning aggregation of dog snapper, Lutjanus jocu, was observed on the outer forereef of a promontory along the central province of the Belize barrier reef. We provide new information documenting the reproductive behavior of this species. Recent data on reproductive biology characterizes Lutjanids as r-strategists, highly fecund broadcast spawners releasing several batches of eggs over an extended period of time. In addition continental and insular populations and species are believed to exhibit distinctive patterns of reproductive seasonality. Lutjanus jocu, like other Lutjanids, exhibits a number of reproductive mechanisms that presumably are adaptive and have survival value to their local populations. Evolutionary rationales to explain reproductive strategies in snappers and other similar reef fishes are discussed as they relate to the spawning behavior of L. jocu in Belize.