Nervous system mediated cardiac arrest in mangrove killifish

The mangrove killifish, Kryptolebias marmoratus, is a highly unique vertebrate species, known for its unusual sexual systems. It is one of two known self-fertilizing simultaneous hermaphroditic vertebrates, alongside the related Kryptolebias ocellatus1,2. While individuals can be born as primary males, most are born as hermaphrodites3 and some turn into secondary males later in life4. K. marmoratus is exceptionally tolerant of harsh and variable environmental conditions. This includes emersion as well as widely ranging salinities and temperatures5-7. Embryos can enter diapause, a state of arrested development, when conditions are unfavourable8,9.