Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Protogynous hermaphroditism is a reproductive strategy where an individual matures first as a female and later transitions into a male.
This strategy is common in several marine fish families, especially those with territory-based social systems.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Groupers (family Epinephelidae) are classic examples of protogynous hermaphrodites.
In a typical grouper population, younger, smaller individuals mature sexually as functional females.
These females are often organized into harems dominated by a single, larger, territorial male.
If the dominant male dies or is removed, the largest and most dominant female in the group undergoes a physiological sex reversal to become a functional male.
This transition is regulated by changes in hormone levels (particularly 11-ketotestosterone) and social cues within the harem.
Let us review the other options:
- Barramundi: A protandrous hermaphrodite (matures first as a male).
- Tilapia: A gonochoristic species (separate sexes from birth).
- Pompano: A gonochoristic species.
Therefore, the Grouper is the correct example of a protogynous hermaphrodite.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, maturing first as females and later changing into males.
Thus, the correct choice is (C).