A test for negative frequency-dependent mating success as a function of male colour pattern in the bluefin killifish

摘要: Rare male mating advantage (a form of negative frequency dependence) is frequently proposed as a mechanism for the maintenance genetic variation within populations. This hypothesis attractive systems with pronounced colour polymorphism because it can maintain particularly high levels variation. We tested frequency-dependent success between yellow and red patterns in bluefin killifish, Lucania goodei. goodei populations harbour substantial pattern polymorphism, large proportion this has basis. established outdoor mesocosms males three different ratios: rare (one ♂ : five ♂), even (three ♂ : three (five ♂ : one ♂). obtained eggs used microsatellites to determine paternity. By contrast expectations, we found no support advantage. Red had slightly higher spawning than males, replicates clutches when were rare. However, did not have discuss alternative mechanisms well potential reasons lack advantage. © 2009 The Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2009, 98, 489–500.