Sex-specific roles for yawning in the Emperor cichlid Boulengerochromis microlepis
Ayasha Abdalla-Wyse, Jaden Yee Da Silva, Ritambhara Kalia, Vasundhara Kalia, Samruddhi Landge, Purvi Rukshinda Suthakaran Munasinghe, Casey Chau Schwartz, Maxwell E. R. Shafer
This study examines yawn functions in juvenile Emperor cichlids, finding support for arousal, social contagion, and sex-specific differences in yawn timing and frequency.
bioRxiv · Jun 1, 2026 · PreprintAnimal Behavior & Cognition