Lek-Like Courtship by Males, and Multiple Spawnings by Females of Synodus dermatogenys (Synodontidae)

Abstract

Courtship and spawning behavior of the lizardfish Synodus dermatogenys (Synodontidae) was observed at Wing Beach, Saipan, Mariana Islands. This species displayed lek-like behavior in that males aggregated for courtship at a definite site just before sunset and engaged in male-male aggressive interactions prior to and after the arrival of females for courtship.Male-male interactions continued at the site during courtship bouts with females and after spawning had been completed. Females made multiple (1-3) spawnings each night that lek-like behavior was observed. These spawnings began as a paired pelagic ascent but became multi-male group spawnings as additional males (2-7) joined the pair in the water column. Paired spawning occurred only when two individuals, a male and female, were present at the courtship site. Females spawned only once a night when paired spawnings occurred.