Volume 69
Fighting for Sex: Male Territoriality in a Lek-like Mating System of Reef Fishes
Authors
Donaldson, T.J. Download PDF Open PDF in BrowserOther Information
Date: November, 2016
Pages: 327 - 328
Event: Proceedings of the Sixty eigth Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
City: Grand Cayman
Country: Cayman Islands
Abstract
Species of fishes in resident and transient spawning aggregations may utilize a lek-like mating system (Donaldson 1990). In this system, males secure and defend temporary territories for the purpose of attracting females. They defend these territorials against rival males. Defense of these territories may favor male reproductive success if the defender holds a territory in a location that is attractive to females (Loiselle and Barlow 1978, Moyer and Yogo 1982, Donaldson 1990). The attractive qualities of the territory include a favorable place for spawning that protects the females investment from predators while promoting effective dispersal of fertilized eggs.