MSc. Aaron Torres Martinez, Ph.D., attended the 12th International Conference of Poeciliid and Goodeid Biologists, held at the University of Padua (Università di Padova), Italy, from July 16 to 18, 2026. The meeting provided an opportunity to present research conducted at the Laboratory of Germ Cells in collaboration with Prof. Maricarmen Uribe from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), focusing on sex differentiation in the highly matrotrophic viviparous teleost Heterandria formosa, one of the tiniest fishes in the world. The conference also offered valuable insights into the reproductive biology and conservation of endangered livebearing fishes from the Americas, including efforts to maintain and breed these species in European and Mexican zoos and research institutions. Furthermore, it provided opportunities to exchange scientific knowledge and discuss potential collaborations with researchers from different countries.
MSc. Torres Martinez, Ph.D., delivered an oral presentation entitled “Early Postnatal Gonadal Development in the Matrotrophic Livebearer Heterandria formosa.” In addition, Torres-Martínez highlighted the newly established laboratory colonies of critically endangered Mexican goodeid fishes at the Laboratory of Germ Cells, including the tequila splitfin (Zoogoneticus tequila) and butterfly splitfin (Ameca splendes). These colonies will provide valuable opportunities for future research on placentation, embryonic development and maternal-fetal interactions in viviparous fishes, while paving the way for potential collaborations with research groups both within and beyond JCU.
The conference covered a broad range of topics related to the biology and evolution of livebearing fishes, including reproductive strategies, sexual selection, embryonic development, placentation, reproductive physiology, behavioural ecology, evolutionary genetics, and conservation. Particular attention was given to the evolution of viviparity, maternal-embryonic interactions, placental development, and reproductive adaptations in members of the families Poeciliidae and Goodeidae. Research involving comparative histology, experimental approaches, genomic analyses, and studies of maternal investment provided valuable perspectives for future investigations into gonadal development, reproductive structures, and the evolution of viviparity in teleost fishes.
The oral presentations, poster sessions, and scientific discussions provided valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge with researchers working on diverse aspects of livebearing fish biology. The conference also encouraged interactions between scientists studying reproductive evolution, developmental biology, and comparative physiology, creating opportunities to establish new professional connections and explore potential future collaborations.
