The pelagic zone is the region of a body of water (lake, river, or ocean) that is not associated with the bottom (see benthic zone) or shore (see littoral zone). This habitat zone is truly a three dimensional habitat space. Some fish that occupy the pelagic zone never encounter the bottom or shore throughout their … [Read more…]
Polyandry is a polygamous mating system where a female has multiple male partners during the breeding season. This is a relatively uncommon form of polygamy and has only been reported in anemonefish (Amphiprioninae) and could be the case for deep sea anglerfish (Ceratiidae). Though anemonefish are generally monogamous, polyandry has been reported in some circumstances. In Deep Sea Anglerfish, multiple males … [Read more…]
Polygamous is a mating system in which an individual of one sex has multiple partners during the breeding system but individuals of the opposite sex have only one partner. Evolutionarily, these systems are purported to have an increased chance of passing on “good genes” from individuals that compete for the ability to mate with multiple partners. This mating system can occur … [Read more…]
Promiscuous is a mating system where both sexes have multiple partners during the breeding system. In fishes, this is the most common mating system. Breeders make little or no mate choice and spawn with multiple partners, either sequentially or at the same time. Breeding aggregations of promiscuous spawners can make some fish species particularly vulnerable to fishing. The fish … [Read more…]
Polygyny is a polygamous mating system where a male has multiple female partners during the breeding season. This is the more common form of polygamy. Polygynous males, like slimy sculpins (Cottus cognatus), setup territories and are visited by multiple females. Other polygynous males, like some African cichlids (such as Mchenga eucinostomus), form leks, where they congregate and perform breeding displays … [Read more…]