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Fig. 2 | BMC Evolutionary Biology

Fig. 2

From: Variations in the breeding behavior of cichlids and the evolution of the multi-functional seminal plasma protein, seminal plasma glycoprotein 120

Fig. 2

Fertilization types in cichlids inhabiting Lake Tanganyika. Spawning behavior in three distinct fertilization types: a) oral fertilization, b) stocked-spermatozoa fertilization, and c) substrate fertilization. In oral fertilization species (a), 1) female nuzzles milt from male genitalia (SI movie 1) or via pelvic fins (SI movie 2), and then 2) female deposits eggs and 3) picks up egg(s). Finally fertilization occurs in the mouth with the milt remaining in the mouth (diagram in a-3). In oral fertilization (a), the time between egg-release and sperm nuzzling is shown for Interochromis loocki (N = 2), Ctenochromis horei (N = 2), Ophthalmotilapia ventralis (N = 7), and Oreochromis mossambicus (N = 2). In oral fertilization species, milt should be in the mouth after milt transfer to female mouth until female mouth. In stocked spermatozoa fertilization (b), 1) sperm were released on the spawning sites called “bower” (diagram b-1), and female enters the bower. Female chases lekking male, 2) deposits eggs and 3) picks it up. Time between egg-release and picking up is short [15] and female turns position immediately to chase the male, female may not collect milt directly from the male (SI movie 3). Milt should diffuse immediately in the bower (diagram b-1) and fertilization may occur with pre-released sperm in the bower (diagram b-2). In substrate fertilization (c), 1) female deposits eggs on the ground or inside of the snail and 2) male comes to ejaculate sperm. Fertilization may occur after ejaculation (diagram c-2). Milt characteristics contributing to the success of each fertilization type are also shown

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