The role of energetic reserves during embryonic development of an annual killifish.

BACKGROUND: Females can significantly improve their fitness by utilizing a range of maternal effects. Embryos of annual killifish survive the dry season in ephemeral pools encased in dry substrate for several months. Here, we experimentally test the association between energetic provisioning and maternally controlled duration of embryonic development in the African annual killifish Nothobranchius furzeri (Cyprinodontiformes).

RESULTS: We found that embryonic energetic reserves do not limit duration of development. However, differences in energetic reserves affect the size at which embryos hatched, with larger yolk size resulting in larger hatchling size.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest uncoupling of the two traits examined (i.e., embryonic energetic reserves and development duration) and emphasize the strong buffering role of diapause in the energetic balance of embryonic development in the annual killifish. Developmental Dynamics 246:838-847, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.