10.5061/DRYAD.79P2B
Lehtonen, Topi K.
University of Turku
Gagnon, Karine
University of Turku
Sowersby, Will
Monash University
Wong, Bob B. M.
Monash University
Data from: Allopatry, competitor recognition and heterospecific aggression
in crater lake cichlids
Dryad
dataset
2015
colour signal
Amphilophus
phenotypic similarity
Competitor recognition
heterospecific aggression
Cichlidae
Allopatry
signal reliability
Holocene
Hypsophrys nicaraguensis
2015-12-21T15:05:34Z
2015-12-21T15:05:34Z
en
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-015-0569-9
57856 bytes
1
CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
Background: Aggressive behaviour can have significant evolutionary
consequences - not only within species, but also in the context of
heterospecific interactions. Here, we carried out an experimental field
study to investigate the importance of phenotypic similarity on levels of
aggression between species whilst controlling for familiarity effects
using manipulated allopatric stimuli. Specifically, we investigated
aggressive responses of territory holding males and females in two species
of Neotropical cichlid fish, Amphilophus sagittae and Hypsophrys
nicaraguensis, that differ in their phenotypic similarity to our
allopatric stimulus species, Amphilophus astorquii. Results: We found
that, independent of phenotypic similarity (and correlated phylogenetic
proximity) between the territory holders and intruder, territorial
aggression was not adjusted in relation to allopatric intruder colour
markings that are associated with different levels of threat and known to
provoke different responses in a sympatric setting. We also found that
males and females did not differ in their overall patterns of aggression
adjustment towards intruder cues. Nevertheless, the two focal species,
which share the same breeding grounds and external threats, exhibited
different sex roles in breeding territory defence. Conclusion: Together
with earlier studies assessing hetrospecific aggression in sympatry, our
current results highlight the importance of coevolution and learning in
species interactions.
Data (EVOB-D-15-00228R1)Behavioural field data on aggressive responses.
All relevant variables are shown.
Nicaragua
Lake Apoyo
Lake XiloĆ”