The Lek-like Mating System of Halichoeres melanochir (Pisces: Labridae) at Miyake-jima,Japan1 |
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Authors: | Jack T Moyer Yutaka Yogo |
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Abstract: | Reproductive behavior and social organization of the labrid fish Halichoeres melanochir were studied at Miyake-jima, Izu Islands, Japan. ♂♂ set up contiguous territories from early to mid-afternoon daily during the breeding season, with ♂♂ at the center of the spawning site experiencing significantly higher spawning success than those at the periphery. Unlike other labrids with lek-like mating systems previously reported, H. melanochir is sexually monochromatic and shows only minimal sexual size-dimorphism. The spawning behavior and mating system are described and compared with current theories on labrid reproductive strategies. |
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