Male cichlids may be either dominant or subordinate. Opportunities for a subordinate to rise in social status may occur rapidly, however, as when a dominant male is taken by a predator. Which of the following physical changes occurs first once the opportunity arises?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a subordinate male cichlid has the opportunity to rise in social status, the first physical change that typically occurs is that he becomes brilliantly colored. This change is a signal of his new status and readiness to take on the roles and behaviors of a dominant male, including territory defense and mating.

Male Cichlids May Be Either Dominant or Subordinate