The effects of numerical density of adult fish on reproduction and parental behavior in the convict cichlid fish Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum (Günther)

Abstract

Basic reproductive and behavioral data were collected from pairs of Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum breeding under controlled conditions. Increasing the density of potential breeding pairs increased the level of territorial aggression and decreased reproductive success. Time spent with their young by parents did not vary consistently with density. The importance of the increase in aggression and its possible influence on reproductive success are discussed.