Abstract

Assortative mating has been documented within the Gasterosteus aculeatus complex. The outcome of laboratory mating trials between individuals from allopatric populations of the blackspotted stickleback, Gasterosteus wheatlandi, is reported. A total of 70 intra- and inter-population mating trials between individuals from Massachusetts and Connecticut were conducted between 1984 and 1987. The results showed differences in the proportion of successful matings, measured as nests constructed, eggs deposited, and young produced. Although intrapopulation mating trials yielded the greatest proportion of nests, eggs, and young, mating did not proceed beyond nest construction between males from Massachusetts population and females from Connecticut population. These results suggest asymmetric reproductive isolation between this mating combination, as all other mating types produced offspring. Further research is necessary to resolve questions concerning differences in motivational states and reproductive behavioral cues.

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