Sex Role Differentiation in Brood Defense by a Nicaraguan Cichlid Fish,Amphilophus xiloanensis

摘要: Abstract. Brood defense behaviour of parental Midas cichlids, Amphilophus xiloaensis, was observed in Lake Xiloa, Nicaragua. The research conducted during two study periods separated by 22 years, 1972–73 and 1995. Role-differentiation between the male female brood defense. defended territory from adult conspecifics, while predators. These observations were consistent different years apart at locations within lake. Attack rates increased as matured, contradicting laboratory findings on this species. reinforced use behavior a possible diagnostic tool to differentiate sibling pattern care role differentiation remained stable over many generations, should be useful character for distinguishing