Association behaviour of the self-fertilizing Kryptolebias marmoratus (Poey): the influence of microhabitat use on the potential for a complex mating system |
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Authors: | S B Martin |
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Institution: | Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P. O. Box 42451, Lafayette, LA 70504, U.S.A. |
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Abstract: | Preliminary observations were conducted to identify conspicuous body postures and movements of males and hermaphrodites in the mangrove killifish Kryptolebias marmoratus . These behaviours were used quantitatively to examine the social interactions for experimental pairings of K. marmoratus of different sexual states ( i.e. simultaneous hermaphrodite and male) in an aquarium with an open-water area and simulated crab burrows. This allowed observation of behaviours that could not be observed in the field. Kryptolebias marmoratus , regardless of sexual state and experimental treatment, spent 40% of the time in the burrow. Hermaphrodites exhibited a preference for associating with males rather than other hermaphrodites. The observed complexity of displayed behaviours and interactions between paired conspecifics indicate that K. marmoratus has a rich repertoire of social behaviour not predicted for a strictly selfing species. Also, land crab burrows play an important role in their social interactions. |
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Keywords: | androdioecy hermaphrodites mangrove killifish outcrossing selfing social facilitation |
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