Subordinate swordtail males escalate faster than dominants: A failure of the social conditioning principle

摘要: In previous studies we have shown that subordinate swordtail males (Xiphophorus helleri) direct more bites to their mirror image than dominants and, in confrontations with strange dominant males, approach the opponent often during pre-escalation period of fights. Consequently, predicted fights between two omega-males should escalate faster alpha-males. Indeed, omega-omega preescalation periods were shorter and biting rates higher alpha-alpha before escalated from first retaliation bite onward. Another new observation was omega-alpha executed by omega-male there also a tendency compared alpha-male stage encounters. We conclude sub-ordinate fight offensively prior escalation do males. The results cannot be explained “social conditioning principle.” On ultimate level moderate costs losing high benefits winning fight, constraints on continued growth after maturing, short life-expectancy, habitat saturation are probably factors promoting offensive tactics © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.