Chasing Tail: Poecilia Reticulata Attraction at Different Speeds

Abstract

            Researchers have studied the practicality of using videos shown on tablets to elicit mating or anti-predator responses from guppies, Poecilia reticulata.  This study observes the mating activities of guppies in response to videos of females played at different speeds.  We hypothesized that faster activity may frighten or intimidate the guppies, and they will be more likely to attempt to mate with slow moving females.  Our hypothesis was not supported, and the data showed no obvious trends.  We can conclude that, while guppy mating behavior can be stimulated by videos, they do not show preference of videos played at different speeds.