High-speed camera recordings uncover previously unidentified elements of zebrafish mating behaviors integral to successful fertilization.

ABSTRACT: The mating behavior of teleost fish consists of a sequence of stereotyped actions. By observing mating of zebrafish under high-speed video, we analyzed and characterized a behavioral cascade leading to successful fertilization. When paired, a male zebrafish engages the female by oscillating his body in high frequency (quivering). In response, the female pauses swimming and bends her body (freezing). Subsequently, the male contorts his trunk to enfold the female's trunk. This behavior is known as wrap around. Here, we found that wrap around behavior consists of two previously unidentified components. After both sexes contort their trunks, the male adjusts until his trunk compresses the female's dorsal fin (hooking). After hooking, the male trunk slides away from the female's dorsal fin, sim

SUBMITTER: Zempo B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8511115 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature