title: Predator-induced changes of female mating preferences: innate and experiential effects.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In many species males face a higher predation risk than females because males display elaborate traits that evolved under sexual selection, which may attract not only females but also predators. Females are, therefore, predicted to avoid such conspicuous males under predation risk. The present study was designed to investigate predator-induced changes of female mating preferences in Atlantic mollies (Poecilia mexicana). Males of this species show a pronounced polymorphism in body size and coloration, and females prefer large, colorful males in the absence of predators.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In dichotomous choice tests predator-naïve (lab-reared) females altered their initial preference for larger males in the presence of the cichlid Cichlasoma salvini, a natural predator of P. mexicana, and preferred small males instead. This effect was considerably weaker when females were confronted visually with the non-piscivorous cichlid Vieja bifasciata or the introduced non-piscivorous Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). In contrast, predator experienced (wild-caught) females did not respond to the same extent to the presence of a predator, most likely due to a learned ability to evaluate their predators' motivation to prey.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study highlights that (a) predatory fish can have a profound influence on the expression of mating preferences of their prey (thus potentially affecting the strength of sexual selection), and females may alter their mate choice behavior strategically to reduce their own exposure to predators. (b) Prey species can evolve visual predator recognition mechanisms and alter their mate choice only when a natural predator is present. (c) Finally, experiential effects can play an important role, and prey species may learn to evaluate the motivational state of their predators.
authors: Department of Ecology & Evolution, JW Goethe University Frankfurt, Siesmayerstrasse 70-72, D-60054 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. david.bierbach@gmx.de
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Bierbach
authors: Matthias
authors: M
authors: Schulte
authors: Nina
authors: N
authors: Herrmann
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Tobler
authors: Stefan
authors: S
authors: Stadler
authors: Christian T
authors: CT
authors: Jung
authors: Benjamin
authors: B
authors: Kunkel
authors: Rüdiger
authors: R
authors: Riesch
authors: Sebastian
authors: S
authors: Klaus
authors: Madlen
authors: M
authors: Ziege
authors: Jeane Rimber
authors: JR
authors: Indy
authors: Lenin
authors: L
authors: Arias-Rodriguez
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Plath
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D023681:Cichlids / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D052586:Mating Preference, Animal; D011036:Poecilia / Q000502:physiology*; D011235:Predatory Behavior