SPARKES, T.C.*; YAN, H.Y.; PRATER, C.; AKAMATSU, T: Condition-dependent acoustic signals and their importance for resolving aggressive conflicts in the skunk loach (Botia morleti): integrating sensory and behavioral approaches

In the skunk loach, Botia morleti (Pisces, Cobitidae) sounds are produced during aggressive contests over access to hiding places. These contests are costly for both contestants and signals that act honesty (reliably) to indicate fighting ability could function to minimize these costs. We examined whether sounds produced during contests act as honest signals in B. morleti. To test this hypothesis we first quantified the relationship between sound characteristics and energetic state (condition index) and documented a positive correlation between condition index and peak-to-peak sound pressure level (loudness). Thus acoustic signals could be used to avoid costly escalations with fish in better condition, i.e., superior competitors. We then manipulated the hearing ability of individual contestants to determine whether signal misperception altered contest dynamics in a manner that was consistent with honest signaling, i.e., are escalations with superior competitors more common when signals are misperceived? We will present the results of this experiment.