DNA barcoding of fish eggs reveals spawning events from multiple habitats and trophic levels in the Southern Caribbean, including previously undocumented species

This study used DNA-barcoding to identify pelagic fish eggs on a species-specific level around Bonaire (12.144° N, -68.265° W; WGS84) to provide new information on spawning events of Caribbean coral reef fish species. Eggs were collected from August-February in 2022–2025. A total of 127 eggs resulted in successful sequence products, of which 34 different taxa were identified, consisting of 8 orders, 17 families, 25 genera and at least 33 unique species, belonging to a remarkably broad taxonomical and ecological range. Spawning information on fish species from multiple trophic levels is documented, such as herbivores, planktivores, corallivores, and top predators. The species identified are inhabitants of coral reefs, sandflats, pelagic zones, and even deep-reef zones. Commercially important species, such as the crevalle jack ( Caranx hippos ), king mackerel ( Scomberomorus cavalla ) and the skipjack tuna ( Katsuwonus pelamis ) were also identified. Other eggs belonged to species for which to our knowledge, no spawning information has been documented yet; greater soapfish ( Rypticus saponaceus ), slope soapfish ( Rypticus carpenteri ), smooth trunkfish ( Lactophrys triqueter ) and deepbody boarfish ( Antigonia capros ). Several other species detected in this study were previously undescribed spawning in the southern Caribbean specifically. Pink Beach showed most favourable dispersal conditions for the widest range of species, considering its high Shannon index compared to other sites. Spawning throughout several months and lunar phases for duplicate species indicate long spawning seasons within the year and lunar cycle. This work provides a basis for protective and sustainable coral reef fish management and policies throughout the southern Caribbean.