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Male-biased predation of a cave fish by a giant water bug

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Abstract

Male-biased predation has been described from several epigean species, and in many cases, intrinsic differences between the sexes (such as male ornaments) have been suggested as an explanation. Here we report on male-biased predation of a cave fish (Poecilia mexicana) by an aquatic insect (Belostoma sp.) in a Mexican sulfur cave. P. mexicana use aquatic surface respiration (ASR) to survive in their sulfidic, hypoxic habitat. We found that males typically exhibit more ASR activity than females, which leads to increased exposure to the sit-and-wait predator that catches fish near the water surface. Our finding is novel, because male vulnerability to predation is not directly related to male traits involved in courtship, but rather due to other sexual differences in behavior and ultimately, oxygen demands.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the people of Tapijulapa. The Mexican Government kindly issued research-permits (291002–613–1577, DGOPA/5864/260704/-2408, and 16986/191/205/-8101). Financial support came from the DFG (PL 470/1–2, to M.P.) as well as the American Livebearer Association, the Basler Foundation for Biological Research, the German Ichthyological Association, the Janggen Poehn Foundation, the Roche Research Foundation, the University of Oklahoma, and the Wolfermann Nägeli Foundation (to M.T.).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoologisches Institut, Universität Zürich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland

    Michael Tobler

  2. Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK, 73019, USA

    Michael Tobler & Courtney M. Franssen

  3. Abteilung für Evolutionsbiologie und Systematische Zoologie, Institut für Biochemie und Biologie, Universität Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24–25, Haus 26, 14476, Potsdam, Germany

    Martin Plath

  4. Abteilung für Tierökologie, Institut für Biochemie und Biologie, Universität Potsdam, Maulbeerallee 1, 14469, Potsdam, Germany

    Martin Plath

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  1. Michael Tobler
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  2. Courtney M. Franssen
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Correspondence to Martin Plath.

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Tobler, M., Franssen, C.M. & Plath, M. Male-biased predation of a cave fish by a giant water bug. Naturwissenschaften 95, 775–779 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-008-0382-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-008-0382-z

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