| Sexual selection and reproductive behavior in the ocellated wrasse
photo credit: Daniel Bay |
For over a decade, I have been studying the mating system of a Mediterranean wrasse, Symphodus ocellatus. I have used a combination of models and empirical studies to examine sperm competition, alternative male reproductive behaviors, territoriality, female mate choice and sexual selection in this species. In the ocellated wrasse, large males defend small territories where they build nests out of algae. Females visit and spawn in these nests, choosing among territories. While the large territorial males court females and provide parental care of the eggs, smaller males in the population adopt sneaker or satellite reproductive tactics. All of my research on this species was conducted in the Baie de Revellata, Corsica, France from the marine research station STARESO.
 Current projects on the ocellated wrasse:
The spatial dynamics of mating success
Sexual conflict, sexual selection and female choice
Paternity and alternative male tactics
Male and female effects on sperm competition
Social interactions and mating behavior
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