Female aggression and male peace-keeping in a cichlid fish harem: conflict between and within the sexes in Lamprologus ocellatus

摘要: Conflicts of interest within and between the sexes are important processes leading to variability in mating systems. The behavioral interactions mediating conflict little documented. We studied pairs harems snail-shell inhabiting cichlid fish Lamprologus ocellatus laboratory. Due their larger size, males controlled resource that limited breeding: snail shells. Males were able choose among females ready spawn. Females only accepted if they produced a clutch few days settling. When several attempted settle simultaneously female settled first. least aggressive when guarding eggs. Secondary more likely primary was In established continued be against each other. male intervened about 80% interactions. Male intervention activity correlated with frequency aggression his harem. usually attacked aggressor chased her back own shell. removed from harem, increased immediately secondary expelled by days. Time harem break-up shorter mobile females' young did not correlate size difference females. L. interfere actively keep together interests. Female presumably relates cost sharing parental investment potential predation another female's large juveniles on small juveniles.