Central to the core of any society is the dance of courtship and mating rituals, playing a key role in the continuation of the species. Most notably observed and studied in the animal kingdom, there are a variety of methods and styles that creatures use, driven solely by the instinctual need to reproduce. The most captivating of these rituals is found in fish, who have evolved a multitude of ways to attract and secure mates, all the way from the vibrant reefs to the solitary depths of the sea floor. Humans, also, aren’t too far behind nor too dissimilar. Our language is filled with references to the sea and its inhabitants when we navigate the complex seas of love, dating, and relationships — "plenty of fish in the sea," we say, or joke about being "catfished," or talk about casting our net (in the sea of potential partners) to reel in our ideal “catch”. What if these playful metaphors hold a mirror to deeper truths about our own behaviors and the natural instincts we share with these aquatic beings? Despite the vast differences we share with fishes, there are, in fact, surprising parallels between fish and humans when it comes to finding and attracting mates.
Online Dating Platforms and Reefs
Just as many marine species gather to select mates and display mating behaviors, humans have developed their own equivalents—online dating platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid. Each platform, much like a reef, cultivates its own distinctive culture and norms that draw various individuals seeking connections. The act of crafting and updating an online profile mirrors the way fish build nests or adorn territories to attract mates. High-quality photos, clever bios, and impressive job titles are the human equivalents of bright colors and elaborate displays, all designed to catch the eye and highlight attractiveness. Similarly, while fish congregate in reefs, meticulously building and caring for their nests, humans flock to these digital platforms, continuously refining their profiles in an effort to stand out in the vast ocean of potential partners.
The Courtship Dance in Fishes
The kind of mating rituals exhibited by fish are interestingly adjusted based on the environmental context and the encounter rate with potential mates. For instance, a study showed that when the males were presented with a less desirable female immediately after a more desirable one, it significantly reduced their courtship intensity. In human social interactions, especially in (competitive) dating environments, individuals often respond to the presence of rivals by emphasizing their own attractiveness, success, or desirability. This could manifest as someone dressing more impressively, subtly (or not so subtly) showing off their talents, expressing more pronounced interest and affection, or engaging in more direct efforts to woo the person of interest away from potential rivals. The increase in courtship behavior among Siamese fighting fish in response to competition mirrors the way humans might put extra effort into their romantic pursuits when they know they're not the only ones fighting for a particular person's attention.
There are some strategies that interestingly resemble human social dynamics, specifically in the cichlid species of fishes. They utilize a fascinating blend of acoustic, visual, and sometimes chemical signals during courtship, reminiscent of the multimodal communication humans employ in social and romantic interactions. Specifically, the male African cichlid fish are known to produce pulsed sounds in tight correlation with visual courtship displays, where their bodies quiver vigorously in close proximity to a female. This kind of multimodal signaling is crucial in the cichlids' complex social environments, providing females with information about male quality and readiness to mate. The parallel in human social interactions lies in the use of verbal and non-verbal cues to express interest. For example, a person may express interest in another through compliments (verbal) while simultaneously making eye contact and smiling (nonverbal). Additionally, in the current human social environment, digital communication through texting and social media adds another layer to our courtship dance, where the choice of words, timing, and even the type of digital platform can signal interest and compatibility. Just as cichlids use a combination of signals to attract and choose mates, humans rely on speech, body language, and sometimes gifts or tokens, to communicate attraction and suitability as partners. This notion is supported by the extensive research by David Buss, an influential figure in evolutionary psychology, who has demonstrated that humans employ a variety of verbal and non-verbal cues, along with symbolic gestures, to signal their mate value and intentions, reflecting deep-rooted evolutionary strategies.
Mating and Territorial Battles
The struggle for territory is another common theme in the animal kingdom. Many species engage in fierce competitions to secure the best possible breeding ground. For example, damselfishes are highly territorial, often maintaining and defending specific areas within coral reefs. Male damselfishes are particularly vigilant during breeding seasons, where they are seen aggressively chasing away intruders and ensuring their territory remains attractive to females. In humans, while we may not physically battle over rivers or reefs, there is a symbolic "territory" in romantic contexts. Public displays of affection, social media posts about one's relationship, or even verbal claims of partnership in social settings are just some of the ways in which humans mark their “territory”. These actions communicate to others that a romantic partnership is established and attempts to ward off potential rivals.
Another interesting behavior is seen in male sand gobies who meticulously clean and prepare nests and defend them so as to showcase their capability of ensuring a safe environment for offsprings. The effort gobies put into nest preparation and defense mirrors human behaviors, like setting up a home together or engaging in public displays of commitment, signaling a secure and stable environment for the relationship.
At the heart of these behaviors lies the intricate balance between honest and deceptive signaling. Just as male fiddler crabs might grow hollow claws to impress and intimidate, humans may curate their online personas to appear more attractive. This delicate interplay of authenticity and enhancement displays the universal nature of courtship, where both fish and humans navigate the fine line between presenting their true selves and projecting an idealized image. Ultimately, the dance of courtship, whether beneath the waves or in the digital space, reflects a timeless and deeply rooted aspect of life. By examining these behaviors across species, we gain a richer understanding of the instinctual and social forces that shape our pursuit of connection and companionship.
Hreem Mahadeshwar and Sarah Rezaei
