Patterns of female choice in mottled sculpins (Cottidae,teleostei)

large male sculpins (Cottus bairdi) breed earlier in the spawning season and mate with more females than do smaller males. These patterns are attributable to female preference for large mates, and reflect the fact that larger males make better egg guardians. Results of a computer simulation of female choice in which females mated with a male who was larger than or equal to the last male encountered are consistent with many of the observed patterns of male courtship success.