Male fish use prior knowledge about rivals to adjust their mate choice

Author:

Bierbach David1,Girndt Antje2,Hamfler Sybille1,Klein Moritz1,Mücksch Frauke1,Penshorn Marina1,Schwinn Michael1,Zimmer Claudia1,Schlupp Ingo2,Streit Bruno1,Plath Martin1

Affiliation:

1. Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Frankfurt, Siesmayerstrasse 70a, 60054 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

2. Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA

Abstract

Mate choice as one element of sexual selection can be sensitive to public information from neighbouring individuals. Here, we demonstrate that males of the livebearing fish Poecilia mexicana gather complex social information when given a chance to familiarize themselves with rivals prior to mate choice. Focal males ceased to show mating preferences when being observed by a rival (which prevents rivals from copying mating decisions), but this effect was only seen when focal males have perceived rivals as sexually active. In addition, focal males that were observed by a familiar, sexually active rival showed a stronger behavioural response when rivals were larger and thus, more attractive to females. Our study illustrates an unparalleled adjustment in the expression of mating preferences based on social cues, and suggests that male fish are able to remember and strategically exploit information about rivals when performing mate choice.

Publisher

The Royal Society

Subject

General Agricultural and Biological Sciences,Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)

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