Effects of the nematode parasite camallanus cotti on sexual and non-sexual behaviors in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Abstract

Since the publication of Hamilton and Zuk's model of sexual selection there have been many studies on the effects of parasite infection on host mate choice and sexual behavior. In this paper I discuss the effects of nematode parasites on sexual behavior in the guppy and the parallel effectson non-sexual behavior. This more general approach allows a test of the hypothesis that sexual displays are particularly selected to reveal parasite infection in the host. © 1990 by the American Society of Zoologists.