Female mate choice in zebrafish is based on male compatibility

Female mate choice decisions are a key aspect of many mating systems. Using data from a previously published study, we fitted a zero-adjusted generalised Poisson model to data to identify the basis of female mate choice decisions in the zebrafish (Danio rerio, Cyprinidae), a widely used vertebrate model species. Mate choice decisions were based on the propensity to spawn with particular males and the number of eggs laid in the presence of particular males. After controlling for the day of the experiment as a fixed effect, both in the count and logistic parts of the model, we showed that specific male-female crosses were significant predictors of female mate choice, while male and female identity was not. These results support a model of mate choice based on genetic compatibility while contradicting predictions based on 'good genes', Fisherian selection and sensory bias. Female mate choice in zebrafish may use olfactory cues associated with MHC dissimilarity.