MATE CHOICE IN AMPHIPRION PERCULA UNDER CULTURE: DO BARS MATTER?

Abstract:

Mate choice tests were set up to investigate whether or not potential females of the anemonefish A. percula prefer mates of a similar color pattern as themselves. A potential female (large fish) was allowed to choose between two potential males (small fish) in a dichotomous choice test. Previous contact by two fish (familiarity), in a choice of familiar versus non-familiar, was tested in one trial with all individuals having similar color pattern, and there was found to be no preference. Bonding behaviors indicating preference were identified by observing three bonded pairs and consisted of tail-dig, approach, visit, shake, and swim together. Five experimental trials were carried out using potential mates differing in color pattern. Three out of the five trials were significant (p-value <0.05) for at least one of the behaviors, but choice of a like patterned mate was inconclusive. Further research is needed to determine factors in female preference.