Ichthyology is the study of fishes*. With an estimated 27,977 species, fish are the most numerous and diverse group of vertebrate species. In fact, there are more fish species than all other groups of vertebrates (amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) combined. One could argue that people have been studying fish for the purposes of food … [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…]
FISH MATING STRATEGIES In honor of Valentines Day, please enjoy the first series of post for this blog post on fish mating strategies! Check back weekly for new additions to the “Fish-ionary.” Promiscuous: A mating system where both sexes have multiple partners during the breeding system. In fishes, this is the most common mating system. … [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…]
Monogamy is a mating system where partners live and exclusively mate with only each other. These pair bonds can be transitory, just for a single breeding season, extend for several years or even a lifetime. Fish that form strong pair bonds include: American freshwater catfish, some cichlids, and many butterflyfish. The Four-Eyed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus) is one such fish that mates … [Read more…]