How sexual and natural selection interact and shape the evolution of nests and nesting behaviour in fishes

Abstract

Among ray-finned fishes that provide parental care, many spawn in constructed nests, ranging from bowls, burrows and ridges to nests made of algae or bubbles. Because a nest by definition is a construction that enhances the nest-builder's fitness by helping it meet the needs of the developing offspring, nest-building behaviour is naturally selected, as is a preference for spawning with mates that provide well-built nests. However, nest-building behaviour can also be sexually selected, when nest traits increase mating success, protect against sperm competition or nest take-overs by conspecifics. Here, we offer a systematic review, with examples of how competition for sites and location of fish nests relates to sexual selection. We examine direct and indirect benefits of mate choice linked to nest traits, and different types of nests, from a sexual selection perspective. Nest-related behaviours are often under both natural and sexual selection, and we disentangle examples where that is the case, with special attention to females. We highlight some taxa in which nest building is likely to be sexually selected, but lack of research has left them uninvestigated. Some of them are established aquarium species, making them particularly amenable for future research. Finally, we compare with arthropods, amphibians and birds. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach’.

The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach

“…Empirical studies of three-spined sticklebacks ( Gasterosteus aculeatus ) show that their nests play an important role in courtship behaviours [ 28 , 29 ]. However, while natural selection favours small and inconspicuous nests, sexual selection favours larger and conspicuous nests and the resolution of this evolutionary trade-off is examined here by Svensson & Kvarnemo [ 30 ].…”

“…Svensson & Kvarnemo [ 30 ] show that the design of ray-finned fish nests is driven by both natural and sexual selection. Their nests range from bowls, burrows and ridges, to nests made of algae or bubbles and the design of their nests plays an important role in sexual selection by protecting individuals against sperm competition or nest usurpations.…”

“…However, the relative contributions of natural and sexual selection to nest structure remains unclear. Consequently, Svensson & Kvarnemo [ 30 ] highlight several species that readily build nests and breed in aquariums and are likely to further elucidate the relative contributions of natural and sexual selection in determining the design of nests of ray-finned fish [ 30 ].…”

Nest Design and Breeding Success: Replicability of Methodologies and Research Findings in Secondary Hole Nesting Passerines

“…Eggs and offspring of many animal taxa regularly develop in constructions like nests, containers, burrows, or holes [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Animal constructions are amongst the first examples mentioned in discussions about extended phenotypes or 'niche construction', which also implies that nest design should have important fitness-associated implications [3,5,11,12].…”