Discrete and continuous reproductive tactics in a hermaphroditic society

► We investigated socioecological predictors of reproductive tactics in hermaphroditic damselfish, Dascyllus aruanus. ► Dascyllus aruanus is a group-living species that inhabits coral reefs. ► Dominance rank and body size were key predictors of reproductive tactic (breeding versus nonbreeding). ► Genetic analysis also revealed significant subordinate reproduction and extragroup reproduction. ► Fitness curves for males and females in relation to rank supported the size-advantage model for sex change.