Abstract
Fight theory predicts that asymmetries between contestants can be used to predict the winners and losers in fights. Using the monogamous convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata), we examined whether being in a pair bond has an advantage in defeating a single same-sex individual. We hypothesize that the male and female members of a pair bond would defeat a same-sex single intruder because it is beneficial to form a pair bond prior to competing for mutual resources, such as a breeding site. To test our hypotheses, we allowed paired males to engage in contests with single males with and without the interaction of their mate. In addition, we allowed paired females to engage in contests with single females with and without the interaction of their mate. Our results indicate that the paired male gained no advantage in being paired; however, paired females seem to have an advantage over single females because they typically defeated them. To reduce the influence of the other pair member on the fight, we restrained one member and allowed the other pair member to confront the same-sex individual. The paired male was frequently defeated while the paired female typically won. These results suggest that forming a pair bond gives females, but not males an advantage in fights with same-sex competitors.
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Gagliardi-Seeley, J., Itzkowitz, M. Does being paired give male and female convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) an advantage when competing against same-sex individuals?. acta ethol 12, 115–120 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10211-009-0065-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10211-009-0065-6