Guppy… Do You Love Me? Does Color Wavelength Affect Male Mating Behaviors

Abstract

Guppies are an easy fish to observe and have been used in many scientific trials. In this study we observed male guppies mating behaviors; sigmond, biting, Gonopodial swinging, and fin fanning towards our 3-D printed female model. We chose to test a translucent red fish because we hypothesized that the male guppies would be more attracted to a female with a longer wavelength. Other studies tested color wavelength and size of the female, but we thought color had a greater impact because it is eye catching. Our control fish was grey and was placed into the tank at the same time as the translucent red fish for five minute periods, while we observed the males behaviors towards the two fish. Our results showed that the male did more behaviors towards the translucent red fish model, but spent more time with the grey control model. Our hypothesis was supported because behavior is more of an indicator for sexual attraction.