Cichlid gene tricks females

[Melody]

Scientists have discovered that those spots on a male Cichlid's finnage are a genetic trick used for breeding. The spots fool the female into thinking she's dropped some of her unfertilized eggs.

This form of mating ‘trickery’ works so well that more than 80 percent of cichlid species evolved the fake egg markings. ~Life Science

More on this male trickery here (http://www.livescience.com/imageoftheday/siod_071115.html).

I only keep one Cichlid so my knowledge of them is sparse, but haven't I heard it said that not all males who are supposed to have these spots, actually have them? If that's the case, the ones without the spots may not be as successful at breeding. Something to watch for when selecting your breeders.

[CACAdmin]

Fascinating how creative nature can be. Definitely potentially helpful info for Cichlid breeders. It would be interesting to hear if our members who breed Cichlids have seen this in in their own tanks.

[hp10BII]

Good read, I wonder if the strongest males have the most vibrant spots as a way of nature to keep the species strong? It appears that these spots applies to just mouth brooder cichlids so my cichlids are spot free.

[Melody]

Good question/theory!

[Sarahs]

cichlids are tricky speices.. depending which afican.. etc.. ones u keep... females which are dominant can display egg spots.. and non dominant males can display none... so egg spots don't tell the truth all the time to gender differences.

[DaFishMan]

Interesting post and excellent point. Also a good time to mention alot of females can appear to be male and vice versa color and fin length wise etc due to the color and growth hormones used in most of the large scale fish farms these days :(

[Melody]

Yup, that can certainly happen, unfortunately. Even our wild waters aren't safe from chemicals and hormones. Certainly sexing them is rarely cut & dry, whatever the reason.