Wavelength of Color and How it Influences Poecilia reticulata Mating Selection

Abstract

As with many animals, guppies (Poecilia reticulata) use mating preference to choose who they want to reproduce with. There are plenty of factors that could affect both the female and male selection process. This study observes if the color of the female fish has an effect on male mating preference. We hypothesize that the male fish will be more attracted to the female fish with the higher wavelength of color because they will be more visible in water. To test our hypothesis, we will measure the amount of mating signals shown by the males and compare the amount of signals shown between the red and purple fish.