Rf. Oliveira et Vc. Almada, MATING TACTICS AND MALE-MALE COURTSHIP IN THE LEK-BREEDING CICHLID OREOCHROMIS-MOSSAMBICUS, Journal of Fish Biology, 52(6), 1998, pp. 1115-1129
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.