MALE-MALE ASSOCIATION PATTERNS AND FEMALE PROXIMITY IN THE GUPPY, POECILIA-RETICULATA

If males differ in their ability to attract potential mates, and are a ble to perceive such differences, theory predicts they should distribu te themselves in a manner that increases their probability of obtainin g potential matings. The relationship between male-male association pa tterns and the proximity of females in social groups, however, remains virtually unexplored. Experimental analysis of this relationship in t he guppy, Poecilia reticulata, demonstrates that in preference tests m ales showed a strong tendency to associate with other males that were further away from potential mates than they were themselves. Male gupp ies pursue a behavioral strategy that involves categorizing other male s based on their proximity (and possibly relative attractiveness) to f emales, remembering the identity of such individuals, and using this i nformation when choosing between other males as associates. Such a str ategy may increase a male's chances of being the individual chosen by a female assessing nearby males.