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Publication
The reproductive behavior of the longspine snipefish, Macrorhamphosus scolopax (Syngnathiformes, Macrorhamphosidae)
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
About two hundred Macrorhamphosus scolopax were observed in a large tank and their behavior was
videotaped for subsequent analysis. When not disturbed, the fish moved slowly in a head-down position.
Spawning in the tank took place in the last two hours before dark. Courting males change color and actively
interact aggressively with other males. They push against each other while swimming in parallel or they
charge their opponents with their erected dorsal spine directed at them. Courtship begins near the bottom.
After following and swimming parallel to the female the two fish unite tightly by their caudal peduncle, with
their ventral regions in close proximity and rise slowly in the water column. During the ascent, the genital
papilla of the female extends repeatedly and contacts the genital region of the male.
Description
Keywords
Courtship Spawning Agonistic behaviour Courting color pattern
Citation
Environmental Biology of Fishes, 36, 337-343