Tony
Mysteryman wrote:
>
> ichthos at comcast.net wrote:
>
> >>What is the purpose of breeding tubercles?
> >>
> >>
> >
> >Tubercles typically serve two functions, depending on the species. They are body armor and weapons against other males during territorial squabbles, and they are spawning aides, helping males maintain contact with females and in some cases stimulating females to spawn.
> >
> >Chris Scharpf
> >Baltimore
> >
> >
> To add to that, if you were to watch closely during spawning, you'd
> notice that in many species the male rubs his tubercules over the
> female's side near the vent. This "goosing" prompts her to drop her
> eggs. Ribbed for her pleasure, I guess. Well, maybe not, but it definitely
> lets her know that he's in position, paying attention, and ready to
> intercept falling eggs.
>
> Those combative species with the huge tubercules use them much like a
> deer uses it's antlers.
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