Female-biased immigration and male peace-keeping in groups of the shell-dwelling cichlid fish Neolamprologus multifasciatus (original) (raw)

We’re sorry, something doesn't seem to be working properly.

Please try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, please contact support so we can address the problem.

Abstract

The small cichlid fish Neolamprologus multifasciatus is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and is unique among fish because it lives in complex social groups with several reproductive males and females, all of which participate in defending their territory against neighbors and intruders. Individuals use empty snail shells for breeding and shelter. Previous parentage analysis using microsatellites suggested occasional exchange of individuals between groups. In field experiments, we found that females showed a higher tendency than males to migrate into territories already occupied by a resident pair. The phenomenon and causes of female-biased immigration were further investigated in aquarium experiments: Nine of 15 females, but only 2 of 15 equally sized males, settled in territories of established pairs. Territorial males exhibited more aggression toward strange males (potential reproductive competitors) than toward strange females (potential additional mates); their females were more aggressive toward strange females (probably competitors for shells) than toward strange males. Apparently, a conflict exists between the sexes regarding the immigration of additional females. This conflict seems to be the selective basis for observed active male interference in aggressive disputes between females in the territory. Interfemale tolerance in a group was greater in the male’s presence than in his absence.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Max-Planck-Institut für Verhaltensphysiologie, Seewiesen, Postfach 1564, 82305 Starnberg, Germany, , , , , , DE
    C. Schradin & J. Lamprecht

Authors

  1. C. Schradin
    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
  2. J. Lamprecht
    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Received: 1 February 2000 / Received in revised form: 2 May 2000 / Accepted: 5 May 2000

Rights and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Schradin, C., Lamprecht, J. Female-biased immigration and male peace-keeping in groups of the shell-dwelling cichlid fish Neolamprologus multifasciatus.Behav Ecol Sociobiol 48, 236–242 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002650000228

Download citation