This dataset consists of three different files. The first one [Mate-choice data (all pops and treatments)] provides all the association times as a function of species, population, salinity level, as well as fish size. The second (SOP large vs small male) provides all association times as well as Strength of Preference score (SOP) for all trials that provided a choice between a large and a small male. The third (SOP parasitised vs nonparasitised male) provides association times as well as Strength of Preference score (SOP) for all trials that provided a choice between a parasitised and a nonparasitised male.