Reproductive- and Social-State Plasticity of Multiple Sensory Systems in a Cichlid Fish

Synopsis Intra- and inter-sexual communications are vital to the survival reproductive success of animals. In species that cycle in out breeding or other physiological condition, sensory function can be modulated optimize communication at crucial times. Little is known, however, about how widespread this plasticity across taxa, whether it occurs multiple senses both sexes within a species, what potential modulatory substances substrates involved. Thus, studying modulation single provide valuable insights for understanding abilities altered detection salient signals different channels social contexts. The African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni uses multimodal contexts such as courtship, territoriality, parental care shows abilities. review, we synthesize known visual, acoustic, chemosensory used A. inter- intra-specific contexts, funtion by an individual’s reproductive, metabolic, state, discuss evidence modulators may contribute changes behaviors. Sensory females primarily associated with natural functions improve courtship (visual, auditory, chemosensory, likely mechanosensory) from high-quality males reproduction. Plasticity male seems altering their ability detect status service territory ownership future opportunities. Changes classes receptors (steroids, neuropeptides, biogenic amines) occur peripheral organs (eye, inner ear, olfactory epithelium) central olfactory, auditory processing regions, suggesting complex mechanisms contributing function. This type revealed more among diverse animals than currently realized, studies should take integrative comparative approach better understand proximate ultimate modulating taxa.