Family resemblance in color-patch size is not affected by stress experience in a cichlid fish.

ABSTRACT: Animal body coloration is often linked to social dominance and mating success. This is because it can carry information on an animal's body condition and competitive ability by reflecting the genetic quality of individuals or by responding to their current or past living conditions. The present study investigates genetic and environmental effects on a conspicuous color pattern of the cichlid fish Tropheus sp. black "Ikola," in which the size of a carotenoid-based yellow area on the body co-varies with social dominance. To examine environmental plasticity of the color pattern, we tested for effects of early-life stress, induced by reduced feeding of juveniles prior to color pattern formation, as well as effects of a stress treatment administered to fully colored adult fish. None of t

SUBMITTER: Ziegelbecker A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11260441 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature