Science a GoGo's Home Page Forums General Discussion General Science Discussion Forum Parasitic Males

"UW expert reels in the mysteries of fish sex, nets award"

"University of Washington professor Ted Pietsch is the world's expert on these fish, notable for engaging in "sexual parasitism" -- a phenomenon in which tiny male fish latch onto relatively gigantic females, melding into them."

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/233874_fishsex25.html

Kind of reminds me of some human relationships I've observed from time to time.

Hey! I was gonna use that gag:-)

that gives a real boost to the female ego ...
:-))

I always thought females were more secure in their own selves and did not need external "boosts" as you put it.

But, back to the Science: How do these fishes find each other in the depths of the ocean? (No fair saying ESP!) More importantly, how does the male know how and where to put the bite on his lady-love? Do they glow with a certain pattern like female fire-flies, or is it by scent or taste in the water? How does a fish the size of a ladybug know when he's met his match? I doubt Cupid is involved. Do these females ever carry more than one male and if not how do they prevent a second or third attachment from taking place? All kinds of interesting Science questions occur to me. And they have nothing to do with anyone's ego. Let's stick to Science and see where it takes us. Where's the Dire Puppy when you need him??

You know better.
There is an interesting article on the Mathematics of Love at www.edge.org

I went; I looked; I didn't see what you saw. It didn't jump out at me; perhaps it was too subtle for my brutish sensitivities. Could you be more specific?

I guess You went You saw You read and then you didnt find the answer to your question..
If it is not so then the link below
http://www.edge.org/3rd_culture/gottman05/gottman05_index.html

Anyways your question demands specificity so I try:
How do these fishes find each other in the depths of the ocean? (No fair saying ESP!)
REP: Simply because they know the neighbourhood.
Our awareness it totally different from their awareness.
===========================
More importantly, how does the male know how and where to put the bite on his lady-love?
REP: It is the most beautiful Art and comes with the instinctive package...It can be learned also...We know it because our evolution has programmed that process within us.
==================================
Do they glow with a certain pattern like female fire-flies, or is it by scent or taste in the water?
REP: I dont know.
===================
How does a fish the size of a ladybug know when he's met his match?
REP: It is based on behaviour and need.
Sometimes need dictates , sometimes Behaviour dictates.
=======================
I doubt Cupid is involved. Do these females ever carry more than one male and if not how do they prevent a second or third attachment from taking place?
REP: Thats why there are other females to attract the remaining ones.
===========================
All kinds of interesting Science questions occur to me. And they have nothing to do with anyone's ego. Let's stick to Science and see where it takes us.
REP: I am sticking.
Where's the Dire Puppy when you need him??
REP: You call him and he is with you.