Does Color Affect Male Choice in Female Guppies?

Abstract

Scientists study the behaviors of guppies, or Poecilia reticulata, to get a basic understanding of courtship and mating patterns. Studying the basic courtship and mating behaviors provides important information about sexual selection.  In this experiment we will be studying male guppy attraction to longer wavelengths compared to shorter wavelengths. In previous studies, researchers have found that guppies possess opsins, which are pigments and proteins in their eyes that are activated by longer wavelengths. Because of these results, we hypothesized that male guppies would be more attracted to 3D models of longer wavelengths. The overall data supported our hypothesis. The data showed that the male guppies were most attracted to the orange 3D model. This information will help researchers further understand mating behavior and strategies in male guppies.