Asymmetrical Effects of Prior Winning and Losing on Dominance in Sticklebacks (<i>Gasterosteus aculeatus</i>)

Abstract

Abstract Reproductive male three‐spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus L., without fighting experience, were given either an experience of dominance or an experience of inferiority. They were then tested for their ability to dominate an inexperienced male in a dyadic combat either a) immediately following the experience treatment, b) 3 h later or c) 6 h later. The effect of prior losing proved to be stronger and more prolonged than that of prior winning. The influence of non‐experimental factors, and possible causes for this asymmetrical effect are discussed.