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/6/5216/5384 524083_61f5ece12a_z.jpg http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpzpn2r7F01 qm9k25o1_500.jpg http://www.sibuya.co.za/files/uploads/images/Longsnout% 20pipefish%202.JPG

2. My Experiment In this experiment I will be collecting sperm from three species of pipefish In this experiment I will be collecting sperm from three species of pipefish Gulf pipefish ( Syngnathus scovelli ) Gulf pipefish ( Syngnathus scovelli ) Dusky pipefish ( Syngnathus floridae ) Dusky pipefish ( Syngnathus floridae ) Chain pipefish ( Syngnathus louisianae ) Chain pipefish ( Syngnathus louisianae ) http://www.nicholls.edu/biol- ds/biol348/fishsets/pics/dusky%20pipefis h.jpg http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/images/Syn gna_louisi_close.jpg

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

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

5. Predictions There should be a relation between gonads/sperm count and mating systems. There should be a relation between gonads/sperm count and mating systems. Duskies and Chains are expected to have higher sperm count Duskies and Chains are expected to have higher sperm count http://www.bio.tamu.edu/USERS/ajones/Pipefish/images/Syngnathus_florida e.jpg http://www.bio.tamu.edu/USERS/ajones/Pipefish/images/Dusky_pip efish.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 Figure out methods for sperm extraction Test if certain morphological features can determine reproductive output 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 We collected Gulf pipefish and immature Chain pipefish by seining in the Gulf

9. Methodology Immerse in clove oil Immerse in clove oil Measure the pipefish Measure the pipefish Dissect to gather testes and stage eggs Dissect to gather testes and stage eggs Isolate testes and gather sperm with saline solution Isolate testes and gather sperm with saline solution Count sperm 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 Collecting sperm samples was very difficult due to variables such as maturity and how clear testes were First time collecting sperm with sygnathids First time collecting sperm with sygnathids Finding sperm was a huge success Finding sperm was a huge success http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/Hemocytomet er_with_gloved_hand.JPG http://www.microbehunter.com/wp/wp- content/uploads/2010/06/counting_chamber2.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 To take seasonal samples in order to test that sperm varies Weigh gonads at University of Texas Weigh gonads at University of Texas Increase sample size Increase sample size Include S. floridae and S. louisianae into sample size to test if sexual selection assumptions hold in sex role reversal species Include S. floridae and S. louisianae into sample size to test if sexual selection assumptions hold in sex role reversal species

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

17. Thank You! Questions?