FEMALE MIMICRY AS A MATING TACTIC IN MALES OF THE BLENNIID FISH SALARIA-PAVO

In this paper we present evidence for female mimicry in a population o f Salaria pavo (Pisces: Blenniidae). Parental males differ markedly fr om females by the presence of a large crest on the head and anal gland s on the two spiny rays of the anal fin. We found a proportion of smal ler and younger males that are almost identical to females both in mor phology and behaviour. These 'female-like' males lack secondary sexual characters and actively court parental males, displaying the female's colour pattern and courting behaviour. These males are sexually matur e and their gonadosomatic indices are higher than those of parental ma les. Female mimicry is considered to be a functional way to achieve sn eak fertilizations.