Behavioural cues of reproductive status in seahorses Hippocampus abdominalis |
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| Authors: | C M Whittington K Musolf S Sommer A B Wilson |
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| Institution: | 1. Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, , 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;2. Department of Biology, Brooklyn College, , Brooklyn, NY 11210 U.S.A. |
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| Abstract: | A method is described to assess the reproductive status of male Hippocampus abdominalis on the basis of behavioural traits. The non‐invasive nature of this technique minimizes handling stress and reduces sampling requirements for experimental work. It represents a useful tool to assist researchers in sample collection for studies of reproduction and development in viviparous syngnathids, which are emerging as important model species. |
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| Keywords: | behaviour courtship pregnancy syngnathid viviparity |
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