Egg Mimics in Haplochromine Cichlids (Pisces, Perciformes) from Lake Victoria

Abstract

AbstractAn ecomorphological explanation is given of the anal spots of haplochromine cichlids from Lake Victoria. Anal spots are ovoid orange‐yellow spots on the anal fins of these fishes. The possible roles of sexual selection and predation as determinants of the form of these spots are discussed. Evidence is given that the anal spots are egg mimics and thus examples of intra‐specific mimicry. Mimicking an egg to stimulate sexually active females presumably is an important demand on the form of the anal spots. However, no positive correlation was found between anal spot size and egg size. Light intensities of the habitat of the species investigated showed a negative correlation with anal spot size. In contrast to this, egg size did not show a negative correlation with light intensities. It is suggested that, besides mimicry, at least one more demand is involved in determining spot size: that of being conspicuous. Conspicuousness is likely to have a positive impact (benefits) on courting conspecific females, but a negative one (costs) with regard to predators who hunt visually for either adults or eggs. The actual appearance of anal spots may be a compromise. This may explain the mismatch between egg size and spot size in many species. Qualitative evidence is presented that predation pressures on adult haplochromines exerted by visually hunting predators are relatively high in lighter habitats, viz. near the rocks and near the surface. An alternative hypothesis that spots in dark surroundings cannot be seen unless they are supra‐normal is discussed.