Life Sciences Commons^™

Fin-Mutant Female Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Exhibit Differences In Association Preferences For Male Fin Length, Jennifer M. Gumm, Jennifer L. Snekser, M. Kathryn Lovine

Faculty Publications

Females often choose to associate with males that have exaggerated traits. In fishes, this may reflect an overall preference for larger size in a potential mate. Female zebrafish (Danio rerio) prefer males with larger bodies but not longer fins. The availability of mutant and transgenic strains of zebrafish make this a unique model system in which to study the role of phenotypic variation in social and sexual behavior. We used mutant strains of zebrafish with truncated (short fin) and exaggerated (long fin) fins to further examine female preferences for fin length in dichotomous association tests. Wild type females showed no …