ISSN:
1432-0762
Keywords:
Key words Courtship
;
Environmental irradiance
;
Fish vision
;
Guppy
;
Mate choice
;
Sexual selection
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract In the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), effective courting by a male requires visual contact with the female. Therefore, environmental light intensity may affect male display behavior, particularly initial courtship distance. We found that male guppies courted at exact and predictable distances from the female given a particular light level, both in field and laboratory studies. In lower light levels (〈0.1 μmol m−2 s−1), for example at dawn, dusk, or under heavy canopy, males court females at closer and less variable distances (〈3 cm). At higher light levels, which occur during most of the day and with less canopy cover, males often court from twice or three times further out. Light levels over guppy streams change over relatively short time periods and ranges, correlating with variation in courtship distances. Laboratory manipulations of irradiance confirmed that courtship distance depends on illumination. Hence, courtship distances may be set by the effect of lighting on signal efficiency, minimization of energy or time expenditures, or predation risk.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002650050518
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