Male Guppies (Poecelia reticulate) Courtship Behaviors in Response to Different Sizes and Colors of Female Models

Abstract

            In order for species to remain alive, they must continue to mate and produce offspring. So what attracts mates in order to reproduce? In this study, the mating behaviors of male guppies are examined when presented with different models of females. It was believed that larger, more colorful female models would attract more courtship behaviors from the male guppy because the size and color of the female show good fitness. Many studies have attempted to explain what attracts the male guppies to potential mates, but those studies have not utilized 3D models created to examine these behaviors.  Through the use of these 3D models, the behaviors of males guppies in controlled environments were examined to see what trends arose. These male guppies were examined for five minute trials with a different selection of “female” models. The trends found cannot only be applied to guppies but also many different species of fish that exist in aquatic environments. It was found the male guppies spent more time and performed more courtship displays to female models that were larger and brighter in color.