Spatial asymmetry of the paternity success in nests of a fish with alternative reproductive tactics.

ABSTRACT: Guard-sneaker tactics are widespread among fish, where territorial males defend a nest and provide parental care while sneakers try to steal fertilizations. Territorials and sneakers adopt diverse pre- and post-mating strategies, adjusting their ejaculate investment and/or behavioural responses to the presence of competitors. The relative distance of competitors from the spawning female plays a major role in influencing male mating strategies and the resulting paternity share. However, territorial male quality and sneaking intensity do not fully account for the variability in the relative siring success occurring among species. An often neglected factor potentially affecting sneakers proximity to females is the nest structure. We conducted a field experiment using the black goby, whose nes

SUBMITTER: Poli F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7862370 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature