Sexual dimorphism and male mating success in the tentacled blenny, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Parablennius tentacularis</Emphasis> (Teleostei: Blenniidae) |
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Authors: | Email author" target="_blank">Eva?GiacomelloEmail author Maria?B?Rasotto |
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Institution: | (1) Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, via G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padova, Italy |
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Abstract: | Although external sexually dimorphic traits are commonly found in males of combtooth blenny species, little is known about
the benefit they can convey to male mating success. Indeed, while female preferences for large males have been demonstrated
in some species, the possible role played by dimorphic ornaments has been neglected. We now report on the tentacled blenny,
Parablennius tentacularis, a species where males are characterized by bulb glands on the anal fin and both sexes exhibit a dark spot on the dorsal
fin and orbital tentacles. Males are territorial, make nests in empty bivalve shells, and provide solitary parental care for
the eggs. Using morphometric analysis and field collected data on male and female external features, nest characteristics
and number of eggs in the nests, we have assessed the development of dimorphic traits in both sexes and male mating success.
The results reveal that orbital tentacles of males are more developed and more variable in size than those of females. Larger
males exhibit longer orbital tentacles and larger anal glands but do not necessarily occupy larger nests. Male mating success
is significantly correlated with the inner nest surface area and with orbital tentacle size but not with body size. These
results provide support for a primary role of male ornaments in enhancing blenny male mating success and are discussed in
the context of mate choice for direct and indirect benefits. |
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