Title

Sex Recognition of Female-like Sneaker Males in the Comanche Springs Pupfish, Cyprinodon Elegans

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2012

Publication Title

Animal Behaviour

Abstract

In mating systems with alternative reproductive tactics, female mimicry may allow some males to avoid aggression from larger territorial males and garner matings. However, selection is predicted to favour the territorial males' ability to discriminate against female mimics as they may usurp fertilizations in a male's territory and potentially eat eggs fertilized by the territory owner. I tested whether territorial males were able to recognize female-like sneaker males in the natural population of Comanche Springs pupfish,Cyprinodon elegans. Results of a field study conducted at Balmorhea State Park, Balmorhea, TX, U.S.A., revealed that territorial males behaviourally discriminate size and sex of conspecifics. They were more aggressive to large males than to sneaker males. However, territorial males also directed more aggressive behaviours towards sneaker males than similarly sized females. As sneaker males garner little aggression when a large male intruder is also present, they will potentially gain opportunities to spawn if large males commonly intrude into males' territories. These results suggest that aggression towards sneaker males is context dependent and that the social environment may have important evolutionary fitness consequences for both territorial males and sneaker males.

Volume

83

Comments

Sex recognition of female-like sneaker males in the Comanche Springs pupfish, Cyprinodon elegansJM Gumm Animal Behaviour 83 (6), 1421-1426

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.03.013

Issue

6

First Page

1421

Last Page

1426

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.03.013

ISSN

0003-3472

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