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Parasite load predicts mate choice in guppies

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Summary

The influence of parasites on mate selection and on a secondary sexual character was studied in guppies (Poecilia reticulata). In fish infected with Camallanus cotti or Gyrodactylus, females were found to prefer males with relatively few parasites, and this preference was associated with a higher display rate in less parasitised males.

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Author notes

  1. J. A. Endler

    Present address: Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, 93106, Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, Oxford University, South Parks Road, OX1 3PS, Oxford, England

    C. E. J. Kennedy, J. A. Endler, S. L. Poynton & H. McMinn

Authors
  1. C. E. J. Kennedy
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  2. J. A. Endler
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  3. S. L. Poynton
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  4. H. McMinn
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Kennedy, C.E.J., Endler, J.A., Poynton, S.L. et al. Parasite load predicts mate choice in guppies. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 21, 291–295 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00299966

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00299966

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