The significance of sound production during the reproductive behaviour of Notropis analostanus (family cyprinidae)

Abstract

1. 1. A brief description of the reproductive behaviour of Notropis analostanus was given, 2. 2. The sounds produced by fighting males increased the occurrence and average duration of the aggressive behaviour of reproductively mature males. 3. 3. The sounds produced when males court females increased the occurrence of aggressive behaviour between males, but did not increase the average duration of aggressive behaviour. “Solo-spawning” increased when the courtship sounds were played back, even though no females were present. 4. 4. The courtship sounds when played back to 1 male and 2 females increased the occurrence and average duration, of courtship behaviour. 5. 5. The fighting sounds when played back to 1 male and 2 females did not increase the occurrence and average duration of courtship behaviour. 6. 6. Males are able to discriminate between the 2 sounds. 7. 7. No orientation to the sound source was encountered.