Male mate preference and size‐assortative pairing in the convict cichlid

Abstract

Male convict cichlids Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum presented three females simultaneously were found to prefer larger females, even if a female's size exceeded their own. This indicates that some mechanism other than male choice, such as female choice or intrasexual competition, must contribute to male‐larger assortative pairing in convict cichlids. Despite a preference for larger females, males continued to consort with smaller females when available, and a females attractiveness was a function of her size relative to other females.