One cost of being gold: selective predation and implications for the maintenance of the Midas cichlid colour polymorphism (Perciformes: Cichlidae)

摘要: In the colour-polymorphic Midas cichlid fish species complex (Amphilophus citrinellus spp.), gold morphs occur at much lower frequencies (< 10%) than dark individuals. This might be surprising because coloration is dominant and coded for by a single Mendelian locus. Furthermore, individuals are considered to competitively advantaged over ones they grow faster win aggressive encounters more often compared of equal size. However, one expect cost being in terms natural selection as result predation. We tested whether Jaguar (Parachromis managuensis), major predator cichlids, preys differentially on colour variants goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus), which were used proxy cichlids their similarity colour. Size-matched pairs prey (gold dark) offered time until attacked was recorded. The morph first (approximately 70%) but not morph. suggests that perceives individual first, and/or exhibits preference or higher motivation attack fish. increased risk predation system may carry significant costs its piscivorous predator. © 2013 Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2014, 111, 350–358.