Female mating strategy and male brood cannibalism in a sand-dwelling cardinalfish

An understanding of the evolution of the reproductive behaviour of fish must take into account sexual conflict. A new study investigates the sexual strategies of male and female cardinalfish, which breed in sandy areas around coral colonies. Results show females move between coral colonies to find mates more often than males and frequently change their mates to shorten interspawning periods. Mate searching appears to increase mortality, possibly reducing competition between females for males. Filial cannibalism by males may be avoided if there is low mating availability. Further details of the study are presented.