Use of female nest characteristics in the sexual behaviour of male sockeye salmon

Journal of Fish Biology
By: , and 

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Abstract

On three island beaches in Iliamna Lake, Alaska, large numbers of male sockeye salmon gathered and spawned in artificial excavations that mimicked a female's nest immediately prior to spawning, while apparently ignoring the control site. The number of males attracted was correlated positively with changes in the operational sex ratio. In contrast, on the mainland beach examined, no reaction to the artificial nests was apparent. The results are discussed in terms of mate searching behaviour by males, the duration of the spawning period, and associated selection pressures on males to use characteristics of their environment that provide information on availability of females.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Use of female nest characteristics in the sexual behaviour of male sockeye salmon
Series title Journal of Fish Biology
DOI 10.1006/jfbi.1999.0988
Volume 55
Issue 3
Year Published 1999
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Fish Biology
First page 459
Last page 471
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