Colorful Attraction; The effects of color on male guppy (Poecilia reticulata) mate behaviors and sexual selection/partner selection

Abstract

Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) display various mating signals when attempting to mate with a female. These signals can range from the sigmoid display to fin fanning. Previous studies have looked at various factors that affect male mating preferences. The goal of designing this experiment was to look at the effects of two different colors on the mating behaviors of male guppies (Poecilia reticulata). The effect color has on male guppy behaviors was studied by comparing the time spent in the “neutral zone” and the two “response zones”. Ten trials were conducted with two different colors, true red and neon orange. Male guppies were placed in a tank, where they were exposed to a brightly colored fish and the control fish provided at the same time. All trials were conducted for a total of five minutes. Male guppy behaviors and time spent in each of the three zones were recorded. We hypothesized that male guppies would be more attracted to female guppies of brighter color. Our results displayed that male guppies spent more time in the experimental (color) response zones than in the control response zone. These results could potentially support the theory that male guppies are attracted to female guppies that are brighter in color. This research will allow those studying mate behaviors and sexual/partner selection in Poecilia reticulata additional knowledge on what factors increase mate behaviors.