MATING TACTICS AND MALE-MALE COURTSHIP IN THE LEK-BREEDING CICHLID OREOCHROMIS-MOSSAMBICUS

Data are presented on the breeding behaviour of Oreochromis mossambicu s under captive conditions. Males tended to synchronize their occupati on of territories and breeding activities. Different male mating tacti cs were observed, namely establishing a breeding territory, acting as a floater, or behaving as a sneaker. The majority of spawnings observe d involved dominant males and were subjected to interference from othe r males. Males were found to court other males that frequently respond ed to these attempts by adopting a female-like behaviour. Results are discussed in terms of a probable time constraint in territoriality, wh ich promotes male-male competition and a low level of sex discriminati on by territorial fish. (C) 1998 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.