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Bower-building behaviour is associated with increased sperm longevity in Tanganyikan cichlids
M Morita1, S Awata, M Yorifuji
1Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Motobu, Japan.
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
|October 21, 2014
Summary
Sperm longevity in Tanganyikan cichlids evolved with bower-building behaviors. This trait extended sperm survival, influencing evolutionary trajectories in these fish species.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Ichthyology
- Reproductive biology
Background:
- Tanganyikan cichlids exhibit diverse mating behaviors and male sexual traits.
- Mouth-brooding is common, but spawning strategies vary, including bower construction and timing of gamete release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate evolutionary correlations between spawning behavior and sperm motility in Tanganyikan cichlids.
- To determine the role of bower-building in the evolution of sperm longevity.
Main Methods:
- Observation of spawning behaviors in 28 Tanganyikan mouth-brooding cichlid species.
- Comparison of sperm motility traits, focusing on sperm longevity.
- Comparative phylogenetic analyses to infer evolutionary relationships.
Main Results:
- Sperm longevity was significantly longer in bower-building species compared to non-bower builders.
- Bower builders release sperm prior to spawning, leading to a longer time from ejaculation to fertilization.
- Phylogenetic analyses indicated bower-building preceded increased sperm longevity, suggesting it as an evolutionary attractor.
Conclusions:
- Bower-building behavior is strongly associated with extended sperm longevity in Tanganyikan cichlids.
- The evolution of bower construction likely drove the extension of sperm longevity, rather than sperm competition.
- Sperm longevity extension may have acted as an evolutionary attractor, influenced by bower-building emergence.
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