Fêmeas rejeitam parceiros sexuais heteroespecíficos em função da distância filogenética e desenvolvimento ontogenético no peixe Crenuchus Spilurus

Abstract

Pre-zygotic reproductive isolation may result from the rejection of genetic incompatible mates. Such incompatibilities are expected to vary with phylogenetic distances and consequent morphological differences. As such, rejection of potential partners should vary with the degree of dissimilarity between potential reproductive partners. Additionally, such differences also increase with ontogeny, a phenomenon known as recapitulation theory. Here, we initially evaluated the morphological distinction among lineages of the sailfin tetra Crenuchus spilurus, which showed increased morphological dissimilarities with development. We then tested if female choice depended on genetic similarities (phylogenetic distance) and male body size (morphological dissimilarity). Females did not show differences in mate preference in relation to genetically similar mates. In contrast, females rejected genetically dissimilar mates according to male body size and as morphological distinction between males became more apparent. Our observations are important steps to understanding how morphological changes resulting of individual growth could be associated with mate recognition potential.