Male Three-Spined Sticklebacks Reflect in Ultraviolet Light

Authors: Rick, Ingolf P.; Modarressie, Ricarda; Bakker, Theo C.M.

Source: Behaviour, Volume 141, Numbers 11-12, 2004 , pp. 1531-1541(11)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

Recent studies evidenced that some fishes use ultraviolet light in social signalling. Using reflection spectrophotometry we showed that reproductively active male sticklebacks also reflect in the UV-light (300-400 nm). Several body regions showed a reflectance peak in the UV-waveband. Silvery appearing regions reflected stronger than red-coloured or darker ones. Males within one population varied in UV-reflection. The UV-contrast of one particular region was positively correlated with physical condition.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568539042948222

Publication date: 2004-11-01