Data from: The relationship between male sexual signals, cognitive performance, and mating success in stickleback fish

Cognitive ability varies dramatically among individuals, yet the manner in
which this variation correlates with reproduction has rarely been
investigated. Here, we ask 1) do male sexual signals reflect their
cognitive ability, and 2) is cognitive ability associated with male mating
success? Specifically, we presented threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus
aculeatus) with a detour-reaching task to assess initial inhibitory
control. Fish that performed better were those who solved the
detour-reaching task, solved it faster, and required fewer attempts to
solve. We then reexamined males’ performance on this task over several
days to assess learning ability in this context. We next measured sexual
signals (coloration, nest area, and courtship vigor) and asked if they
reveal information about these male cognitive abilities. Finally, we
examined whether success at attracting a female is associated with male
cognition. After controlling for the strong effect of neophobia, we found
that no measured sexual signals were associated with initial inhibitory
control. Sexual signals were also not associated with change in
performance on the detour-reaching task over time (learning). However,
females preferred mating with males who had better initial inhibitory
control. We speculate that inhibitory control is a critical trait for male
sticklebacks. In this system, males perform all parental care, but must
avoid eating their own fry which closely resemble their prey items.
Therefore, males with better inhibitory control may be more likely to
successfully raise their offspring to independence. Our research adds to a
growing list of mating systems and taxa in which cognition is important
for measures related to fitness.