Sperm adaptation in relation to salinity in three goby species

In externally fertilizing species, the gametes of both males and females are exposed to influences environment into which they released. Sperm sensitive abiotic factors such as salinity, but also affected by biotic sperm competition. this study, authors compared performance three goby painted goby, Pomatoschistus pictus, two-spotted flavescens, sand minutus. These species differ in their distributions, with having narrowest salinity range widest. Moreover, data from paternity show that experiences least competition, whereas competition is ubiquitous. The took samples dissected them high water (31 PSU) representing North Sea low (6 brackish Baltic Proper. They then used computer-assisted analysis measure proportion motile swimming speed 10 min 20 h after activation. found depended on there seemed be no relationship species' geographical distribution relation range. differed sperm, was significant decrease motility during h. only 72