May 01, 2025
Female Fish Fake Orgasm to Avoid Unwanted Attention
Researchers in Sweden discovered that female trout sometimes fake the release of their eggs during mating attempts to influence which male gets to fertilize them
In controlled aquarium conditions, female trout pretended to release their eggs in 69 out of 117 mating attempts, a surprising behavior
Female trout may use this tactic to prompt a male to release sperm prematurely, allowing them to mate later with a more suitable partner
During trout mating, both male and female shake and open their mouths wide in synchronized movements to release sperm and eggs simultaneously
Despite the shaking, female trout often hold back their eggs, pretending to release them, while the male continues his efforts
Females who faked egg release more often attracted more males, suggesting that this behavior makes them appear more desirable
Once the females are ready to spawn, they opt for males with larger fins and jaws, characteristics associated with healthier, stronger offspring
This strategy allows female trout to keep their options open, ensuring their eggs are fertilized by the best possible mate for their offspring’s survival
Read More