Fickle fish

At Monash University they are doing some interesting studies with Australian desert goby fish. They are studying the mating patterns and making some interesting discoveries. It seems that the male desert goby will adapt its mating patterns to its surroundings, meaning the available number and quality of female counterparts.

For the goby, attracting females involves significant time, energy and exposure to predation. They build extravagant nests and have amazing displays of color all to attract the best mate. It seems they go for the largest females around, probably because the size would indicate and ability to carry the most eggs - eggs that the male goby cares for until they hatch. “Given this heavy investment in reproduction, males attempt to maximize their returns through higher egg yields,” said Dr. Bob Wong, Senior Lecturer in the Science Faculty.

New research shows though that the male goby, if deprived of a variety of female choices, will take whatever is around. He will pursue any size female with the same gusto as the more favorable female in a larger pool. “Males will court females vigorously irrespective of her attractiveness if passing females are few and far between,” said Dr. Wong.

“These findings are important because, for a long time, females were typically regarded as the more discerning sex when it comes to choosing a potential mate. Here, we show that males, too, can be highly picky and are much more tactical in whom they choose to court,” concluded Dr. Wong.

Source: Monash University, ScienceDaily