Guppy Got Sex Appeal

Abstract

The chances of mating between fish take many factors into consideration to assure the development of certain morphological and behavioral characteristic of a species. We performed tests to further investigate what physical attributes are valued by guppies. Although females of many fish species display beautiful colors, only a few studies have attempted to test whether male fishes also prefer ornamented females (Amundsen & Forsgren, 2001). Animal behavior researchers have performed many experiments regarding the sexual preferences of fish species when mating, we are curious as to the qualities desired by male guppies. We tested the behaviors of male guppies in response to presented courtship opportunities with 3D models of different sizes, features, and colors. Our research will provide the sexual advantages of the physical characteristics of guppies for reproductive studies.