 Lek breeding , where males congregate to display to females , has been recorded in at least one species Cyrtocara eucinostomus . Lek @-@ like breeding systems have also been recorded in several other species . In monogamous species , males and females may form pair bonds and breed exclusively with their partners . This occurs in North American freshwater catfishes , many butterflyfishes , sea horses and several other species . Courtship in teleosts plays a role in species recognition , strengthening pair bonds , spawning site position and gamete release synchronisation . This includes colour changes , sound production and visual displays ( fin erection , rapid swimming , breaching ) , which is often done by the male . Courtship may be done by a female to overcome a territorial male that would otherwise drive her away . 
