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| Both Eigenmannia virescens and Apteronotus leptorhynchus have demonstrated highly specific patterns of electrical communication that play a significant role in their courting and mating behavior. Electrical signals are the basis for establishing hierarchies for the males and for establishing territory for the females. The male with the lowest frequency signals usually becomes the dominant male, while the female with the highest frequency is the most territorial (Hagendorn & Heiligenberg, 1985). The characteristics of male and female signals can be modulated by hormonal control (Dunlap et al., 1997, Zakon, 1996). |
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| For
several days before mating occurs, a male will court a female using a specific
pattern of signals. For example, the Eigenmannia virescens
displays the following pattern:
The gravid female will wait in a head up submissive position among the roots of a plant. She will repeatedly raise the frequency of her signals when pursued by a male. The male begins to produce incessant chirps (rapid rises in the frequency of signaling). He will briefly raise his frequency if the female begins to move away. She will respond immediately by moving back to her place in the roots. Soon after this pattern of events take place, the female expels her eggs, and the male fertilizes them (Hagendorn & Heiligenberg, 1985). |
species uses
signals production
courtship predator/prey
identification
hormonal control