Can spawning marks on females of the spined loach (Cobitis sp., Teleostei) be caused by scratches from males during mating?

摘要

The skin histology from the Danubian spined loach Cobitis elongatoides disputes the notion that the spawning marks (lighter spots on the body sides of the females) are the result of physical damage to the epidermis by a male during spawning. Physiological changes that induce a specific local decrease in lateral pigmentation in some individuals appear to be a more likely source.