1
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Schons RF, Vitt S, Thünken T. Environmental habituation and sexual composition affect juveniles' shoaling activity in a cichlid fish (Pelvicachromis taeniatus). JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:1307-1317. [PMID: 34184282 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Group living is widespread in animals, and many fishes form shoals. Examining within-group interactions in fishes may contribute to the general understanding of dynamic social structures in animals. The sex ratio of a group has been shown to influence grouping decisions of fishes and can be expected to affect behaviour at group level. Behavioural experiments usually involve relatively short acclimatisation times, although the establishment of environmental habituation in fishes is understudied. This study tests whether the sex ratio and long-term habituation to experimental conditions influence general shoal performance (activity parameters, density) and responses of shoals to an acoustic-mechanical disturbance cue in juveniles of the cichlid fish Pelvicachromis taeniatus via individual tracking. The disturbance consisted of a defined hit against the experimental tank, which caused sudden noise and water movement. We found that a higher proportion of females increases shoal activity (swimming speed and distance covered), suggesting that female P. taeniatus are more active than males. Furthermore, shoal activity declined when shoals habituated to the experimental settings and with the time that the shoals were grouped together, which may reflect intensified group member familiarity. Moreover, behavioural changes after disturbance were weaker when individuals were kept with their group longer and more familiar to the experimental conditions. For prey species, lower activity might be beneficial under natural conditions due to lower conspicuousness of the group. We did not find any significant effects of the investigated factors on shoal density (mean interindividual distance) and speed synchronisation. The results indicate that sexual composition, familiarity between shoal members and habituation to the experimental environment affect shoal performance in a cichlid fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rieke F Schons
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Vitt
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo Thünken
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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2
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Thünken T, Hesse S, Meuthen D. Increased Levels of Perceived Competition Decrease Juvenile Kin-Shoaling Preferences in a Cichlid Fish. Am Nat 2020; 195:868-875. [PMID: 32364789 DOI: 10.1086/707747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Inclusive fitness theory predicts that individuals can increase their indirect fitness by grouping with kin. However, kin grouping also increases competition between kin, which potentially outweighs its benefits. The level of kin competition is contingent on environmental conditions and thus highly variable. Hence, individuals should benefit from plastically adjusting kin discrimination according to the expected level of kin competition. Here, we investigate whether perceived high competition affects juvenile kin-shoaling preferences in the cichlid Pelvicachromis taeniatus. Juveniles were given the choice between two shoals consisting of either kin or nonkin. Levels of perceived competition were manipulated through food limitation in the face of the differential energy expenditure of differently sized fish. The preference to shoal with kin decreased with increasing levels of perceived competition; small food-deprived individuals avoided kin. Shoaling with kin under strong competition may reduce individual indirect fitness. Hence, individuals can likely improve their inclusive fitness by plastically adjusting their kin-grouping preferences.
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3
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Ward AJW, Kent MIA, Webster MM. Social Recognition and Social Attraction in Group-Living Fishes. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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4
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Risk-taking and locomotion in foraging threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus): the effect of nutritional stress is dependent on social context. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-019-2795-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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5
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Schweinfurth MK, Call J. Revisiting the possibility of reciprocal help in non-human primates. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 104:73-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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6
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Impact of social rearing-environment on performance in a complex maze in females of a cichlid fish. Behav Processes 2019; 167:103915. [PMID: 31349022 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2019.103915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spatial orientation is an important skill as it improves, for example, foraging, localisation of recourses, predator avoidance or navigation. Habitat complexity positively affects spatial abilities in various fish species with a more complex environment promoting learning ability. However, to what extent a complex social environment affects cognitive abilities in fishes has received less attention. Here, we investigated differences in maze performance of adult females of the West African cichlid fish Pelvicachromis taeniatus, which had been reared and maintained either in a group or in isolation from an early age on. Fish had to master the route through a maze in order to gain a food reward. Our results indicate marked differences in performance contingent upon social rearing-environment: isolation fish ran successful trials (i.e. locating the food reward) significantly more often than group fish and were faster during trials, also in a reversed maze. However, the number of mistakes did not differ between isolation and group fish and the time needed to relocate the food reward did not diminish with elapsed training days. In a second experiment, the activity of group and isolation fish was analysed in an open field test. Here, isolation fish were less active than group fish. We discuss different possibilities for performance differences of group and isolation fish including enhanced cognitive abilities of isolation fish, motivational/emotional differences and hyperactivity.
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7
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Kleinhappel TK, Burman OHP, John EA, Wilkinson A, Pike TW. The impact of water pH on association preferences in fish. Ethology 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anna Wilkinson
- School of Life Sciences; University of Lincoln; Lincoln UK
| | - Thomas W. Pike
- School of Life Sciences; University of Lincoln; Lincoln UK
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8
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Webster MM, Chouinard-Thuly L, Herczeg G, Kitano J, Riley R, Rogers S, Shapiro MD, Shikano T, Laland KN. A four-questions perspective on public information use in sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae). ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:181735. [PMID: 30891285 PMCID: PMC6408396 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Whether learning primarily reflects general processes or species-specific challenges is a long-standing matter of dispute. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of public information use (PI-use) in sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae). PI-use is a form of social learning by which animals are able to assess the relative quality of resources, here prey patches, by observing the behaviour of others. PI-use was highly specific with only Pungitius and their closest relative Culaea inconstans showing evidence of PI-use. We saw no effects of ontogenetic experience upon PI-use in Pungitius pungitius. Experiments with live demonstrators and animated fish revealed that heightened activity and feeding strikes by foraging conspecifics are important cues in the transmission of PI. Finally, PI-use was the only form of learning in which P. pungitius and another stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus differed. PI-use in sticklebacks is species-specific and may represent an 'ecological specialization' for social foraging. Whether this reflects selection on perception, attentional or cognitive processes remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike M. Webster
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9TF, UK
| | - Laura Chouinard-Thuly
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9TF, UK
- Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Docteur Penfield, Montréal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1B1
| | - Gabor Herczeg
- Ecological Genetics Research Group, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary
| | - Jun Kitano
- Division of Ecological Genetics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Riva Riley
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9TF, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Sean Rogers
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Calgary, Canada
| | - Michael D. Shapiro
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Takahito Shikano
- Ecological Genetics Research Group, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kevin N. Laland
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9TF, UK
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9
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Aimon C, Le Bayon N, Le Floch S, Claireaux G. Food deprivation reduces social interest in the European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax. J Exp Biol 2019; 222:jeb.190553. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.190553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Periods of food deprivation up to several months are common features for fishes and in such conditions, fitness will be determined by their capacity to maximize food encounter while minimizing predation risk. In this context, the propensity to take risk and the willingness to associate with conspecifics are particularly important as they contribute to alleviating the trade-off between predation avoidance and foraging efficiency. This study examined to what extent food deprivation modulates fish risk-taking and social behaviours, as well as the relationship between them. To address these issues juvenile European sea bass were either fed daily with a maintenance ration or food-deprived during 3 weeks. Risk-taking and sociability were assessed through measurements of fish willingness to explore a novel environment, to interact with a novel object or a conspecific. Multivariate analysis allowed the identification of three behaviours, risk-taking, exploratory activity and solitariness. Food-deprived fish interacted less with conspecifics than control fish. After food-deprivation, no difference in terms of risk-taking and exploratory patterns was observed. Finally, the relationship between risky-taking and solitariness was influenced by the feeding status. When food-deprived fish with higher propensity to take risk displayed increased solitariness while, when fed normally they interacted more with conspecifics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandre Aimon
- Université de Bretagne Occidentale, LEMAR (UMR 6539), Centre Ifremer de Bretagne, 29280 Plouzané, France
- CEDRE, Research Department, 715 rue Alain Colas, CS 41836, Brest 29218-Cedex 2, France
| | - Nicolas Le Bayon
- Ifremer, LEMAR (UMR 6539), Centre Ifremer de Bretagne, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Stéphane Le Floch
- CEDRE, Research Department, 715 rue Alain Colas, CS 41836, Brest 29218-Cedex 2, France
| | - Guy Claireaux
- Université de Bretagne Occidentale, LEMAR (UMR 6539), Centre Ifremer de Bretagne, 29280 Plouzané, France
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10
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Raveh S, Langen K, Bakker TCM, Josephs C, Frommen JG. Oddity, predation risk and social decisions in aquatic invertebrates. Ethology 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Raveh
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution; University of Bern; Hinterkappelen Switzerland
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Kathrin Langen
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; Bonn Germany
- Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig; Leibniz Institute for Animal Biodiversity; Bonn Germany
| | - Theo C. M. Bakker
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; Bonn Germany
| | - Christian Josephs
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; Bonn Germany
| | - Joachim G. Frommen
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution; University of Bern; Hinterkappelen Switzerland
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; Bonn Germany
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11
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Bai Y, Tang ZH, Fu SJ. Numerical ability in fish species: preference between shoals of different sizes varies among singletons, conspecific dyads and heterospecific dyads. Anim Cogn 2018; 22:133-143. [PMID: 30542940 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-018-1229-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Group living confers ecological benefits, and the associated fitness gain may be positively related to the size of the group. Thus, the ability to discriminate numerical differences may confer important fitness advantages in social fish. There is evidence that this ability can be improved by behavioral interactions among individuals of the same species. Here, we looked for this effect in both conspecific and heterospecific dyads. In Chinese bream and grass carp, we measured the sociability and shoal preferences of singletons, conspecific dyads and heterospecific dyads presented with different numerical comparisons (0 vs 8, 2 vs 8, 4 vs 8, 6 vs 8 and 8 vs 8). Chinese bream generally showed higher sociability than did grass carp, but grass carp in heterospecific dyads showed improved sociability that was similar to that of Chinese bream. Among the comparisons, both grass carp and Chinese bream singletons could only discriminate the comparison of 2 vs 8, suggesting lower quantitative abilities in these fish species compared to other fish species. Grass carp dyads were more successful in discriminating between 6 and 8 than were singletons, although no such improvement was observed in their discrimination between 4 and 8. In contrast, numerical ability did not vary between singletons and conspecific dyads in Chinese bream. More interestingly, Chinese bream and grass carp in heterospecific groups could discriminate between 4 and 8, but neither species showed a preference when presented with 6 and 8. Our results suggested that interaction between conspecific grass carp might improve their joint numerical ability, and a similar process might occur in Chinese bream in heterospecific dyads. However, the mechanism underlying the differences in improvements in numerical ability requires further investigation. The improved cognitive ability of heterospecific dyads might yield important fitness advantages for predator avoidance and efficient foraging in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bai
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Physiology and Behavior, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Animal Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Zhong-Hua Tang
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Physiology and Behavior, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Animal Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Shi-Jian Fu
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Physiology and Behavior, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Animal Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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12
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Fischer EK, O'Connell LA. Modification of feeding circuits in the evolution of social behavior. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 220:92-102. [PMID: 28057832 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.143859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive trade-offs between foraging and social behavior intuitively explain many aspects of individual decision-making. Given the intimate connection between social behavior and feeding/foraging at the behavioral level, we propose that social behaviors are linked to foraging on a mechanistic level, and that modifications of feeding circuits are crucial in the evolution of complex social behaviors. In this Review, we first highlight the overlap between mechanisms underlying foraging and parental care and then expand this argument to consider the manipulation of feeding-related pathways in the evolution of other complex social behaviors. We include examples from diverse taxa to highlight that the independent evolution of complex social behaviors is a variation on the theme of feeding circuit modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva K Fischer
- Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Lauren A O'Connell
- Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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13
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Gómez-Laplaza LM, Gerlai R. Short-Term Memory Effects on Crossing the Boundary: Discrimination between Large and Small Quantities in Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162923. [PMID: 27683275 PMCID: PMC5040265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rudimentary quantification abilities are found in numerous animal species and in human infants all demonstrating the ability to discriminate between quantities differing in numerical size. An open question is whether individuals rely on different underlying systems to discriminate between large (analogue magnitude system (AMS) for number of items exceeding 3) and small quantities (object-file system (OFS) for number of items below 4), or they use only one system (AMS) for the entire number range. The two-system hypothesis has been supported by finding reduced ability to discriminate between quantities that cross the large-small boundary in several species. Recently, the role of cognitive representation, i.e., memory, in quantity discrimination has also been recognized. Here, we investigated whether angelfish can discriminate quantities across the boundary under two memory conditions. In a binary choice test, single angelfish were allowed to see groups (shoals) of conspecifics of different numerical size on the two sides of their test tank. In Experiment 1, their choice was recorded after a 2-sec retention interval during which shoal size information was unavailable. Angelfish were able to discriminate the larger shoal across the boundary when the shoals differed by a 2:1 or higher ratio, but not when the ratio was lower. In Experiment 2, however, with a 15-sec retention interval, angelfish could only detect a four-fold difference in ratio but failed to detect a three- or a two-fold difference across the boundary. These results suggest that angelfish can remember smaller differences for a short (2 sec) but not for a longer (15 sec) period. Together with previous findings, the current results support the idea that angelfish use two distinct systems for representing quantity, but they may recruit the AMS even for the small number range under some circumstances, e.g., when higher memory demand is imposed by a greater retention interval.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
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14
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Killen SS, Fu C, Wu Q, Wang Y, Fu S. The relationship between metabolic rate and sociability is altered by food deprivation. Funct Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shaun S. Killen
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Cheng Fu
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Physiology and Behaviour College of Life Sciences Chongqing Normal University Chongqing 400047 China
| | - Qingyi Wu
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Physiology and Behaviour College of Life Sciences Chongqing Normal University Chongqing 400047 China
| | - Yu‐Xiang Wang
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Physiology and Behaviour College of Life Sciences Chongqing Normal University Chongqing 400047 China
- Department of Biology Queen's University Kingston Ontario Canada K7L 3N6
| | - Shi‐Jian Fu
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Physiology and Behaviour College of Life Sciences Chongqing Normal University Chongqing 400047 China
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15
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Thünken T, Hesse S, Bakker TC, Baldauf SA. Benefits of kin shoaling in a cichlid fish: familiar and related juveniles show better growth. Behav Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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16
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Hiermes M, Vitt S, Rick IP, Bakker TCM. Shoal choice and ultraviolet reflections in stickleback populations from different photic habitats. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meike Hiermes
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; An der Immenburg 1 53121 Bonn Germany
| | - Simon Vitt
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; An der Immenburg 1 53121 Bonn Germany
| | - Ingolf P. Rick
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; An der Immenburg 1 53121 Bonn Germany
| | - Theo C. M. Bakker
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; An der Immenburg 1 53121 Bonn Germany
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17
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Experimental infection with the directly transmitted parasite Gyrodactylus influences shoaling behaviour in sticklebacks. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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18
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Hansen MJ, Schaerf TM, Ward AJW. The influence of nutritional state on individual and group movement behaviour in shoals of crimson-spotted rainbowfish (Melanotaenia duboulayi). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-015-1983-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Quantification acuity in spontaneous shoaling decisions of three-spined sticklebacks. Anim Cogn 2015; 18:1125-31. [PMID: 26099740 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-015-0884-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The ability to discriminate between different quantities is widespread throughout the animal kingdom, and the underlying mechanisms of quantity discrimination are currently intensely discussed. In contrast, questions elucidating the limits of quantity estimation received rather little attention so far. Here, we examined fine-tuned quantity estimation in the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in a natural context, i.e. during shoaling decisions. Wild-caught focal fish were given the spontaneous choice between two shoals which differed in group size by 1 fish (0 vs. 1, 1 vs. 2, 2 vs. 3, 3 vs. 4, 4 vs. 5, 5 vs. 6 and 6 vs. 7), based on visual assessment. The results show that sticklebacks generally prefer to shoal with the larger group. They discriminated numerical contrasts up to 6 versus 7, equalling a numerical ratio of 0.86. Preference patterns followed Weber's law, i.e. decreased with increasing numerical ratio. This pattern was found across all numerical conditions as well as within the small number range (ranging from 1 vs. 2 to 3 vs. 4). The results suggest that wild-caught three-spined sticklebacks are spontaneously able (i.e. without prior learning) to detect subtle differences in shoal sizes. Further, they confirm findings of previous studies highlighting the contribution of the analogue magnitude system to quantity estimation in fishes.
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20
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Gonzalvo S, Tanoue H, Komatsu T. Shoaling behaviour of Lates japonicus revealed through a digital camera logger. Glob Ecol Conserv 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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21
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van Dongen WFD, Wagner RH, Moodley Y, Schaedelin FC. Sex biases in kin shoaling and dispersal in a cichlid fish. Oecologia 2014; 176:965-74. [PMID: 25231372 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-014-3079-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Animal dispersal is associated with diverse costs and benefits that vary among individuals based on phenotype and ecological conditions. For example, females may disperse when males benefit more from defending territories in familiar environments. Similarly, size differences in dispersal propensity may occur when dispersal costs are size-dependent. When individuals do disperse, they may adopt behavioral strategies that minimize dispersal costs. Dispersing fish, for example, may travel within shoals to reduce predation risks. Further, kin shoaling may augment inclusive fitness by reducing predation of relatives. However, studies are lacking on the role of kin shoaling in dispersal. We explored how sex and size influence dispersal and kin shoaling in the cichlid Neolamprologus caudopunctatus. We microsatellite genotyped over 900 individuals from two populations separated by a potential dispersal barrier, and documented patterns of population structure, migration and within-shoal relatedness. Genetic differentiation across the barrier was greater for smaller than larger fish, suggesting larger fish had dispersed longer distances. Females exhibited weaker genetic differentiation and 11 times higher migration rates than males, indicating longer-distance female-biased dispersal. Small females frequently shoaled with siblings, possibly offsetting dispersal costs associated with higher predation risks. In contrast, small males appeared to avoid kin shoaling, possibly to avoid local resource competition. In summary, long-distance dispersal in N. caudopunctatus appears to be female-biased, and kin-based shoaling by small females may represent a behavioral adaptation that reduces dispersal costs. Our study appears to be the first to provide evidence that sex differences in dispersal influence sex differences in kin shoaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter F D van Dongen
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria,
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22
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Raveh S, Vogt D, Montavon C, Kölliker M. Sibling Aggregation Preference Depends on Activity Phase in the European Earwig (Forficula auricularia). Ethology 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Raveh
- Department of Environmental Sciences Zoology and Evolution; University of Basel; Basel Switzerland
| | - Dominik Vogt
- Department of Environmental Sciences Zoology and Evolution; University of Basel; Basel Switzerland
| | - Célien Montavon
- Department of Environmental Sciences Zoology and Evolution; University of Basel; Basel Switzerland
| | - Mathias Kölliker
- Department of Environmental Sciences Zoology and Evolution; University of Basel; Basel Switzerland
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23
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Thünken T, Eigster M, Frommen JG. Context-dependent group size preferences in large shoals of three-spined sticklebacks. Anim Behav 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Frommen JG, Zala SM, Raveh S, Schaedelin FC, Wernisch B, Hettyey A. Investigating the Effect of Familiarity on Kin Recognition of Three-Spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Ethology 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah M. Zala
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution; Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Vienna; Austria
| | | | - Franziska C. Schaedelin
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution; Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Vienna; Austria
| | - Bettina Wernisch
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution; Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Vienna; Austria
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25
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Fischer S, Frommen JG. Eutrophication alters social preferences in three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-012-1449-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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26
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Frommen JG, Bakker TCM, Proscurcin LC, Mehlis M. Gravidity-Associated Shoaling Decisions in Three-Spined Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Ethology 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Theo C. M. Bakker
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; Bonn; Germany
| | - Leonie C. Proscurcin
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; Bonn; Germany
| | - Marion Mehlis
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; Bonn; Germany
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27
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Kin recognition by phenotype matching is family- rather than self-referential in juvenile cichlid fish. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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McRobert SP, Kiesel AL, Snekser JL, Ruhl N. Behavioural syndromes and shoaling: connections between aggression, boldness and social behaviour in three different Danios. BEHAVIOUR 2012. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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29
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Rodgers GM, Ward JR, Askwith B, Morrell LJ. Balancing the dilution and oddity effects: decisions depend on body size. PLoS One 2011; 6:e14819. [PMID: 21750694 PMCID: PMC3130026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Grouping behaviour, common across the animal kingdom, is known to reduce an individual's risk of predation; particularly through dilution of individual risk and predator confusion (predator inability to single out an individual for attack). Theory predicts greater risk of predation to individuals more conspicuous to predators by difference in appearance from the group (the 'oddity' effect). Thus, animals should choose group mates close in appearance to themselves (eg. similar size), whilst also choosing a large group. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We used the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata), a well known model species of group-living freshwater fish, in a series of binary choice trials investigating the outcome of conflict between preferences for large and phenotypically matched groups along a predation risk gradient. We found body-size dependent differences in the resultant social decisions. Large fish preferred shoaling with size-matched individuals, while small fish demonstrated no preference. There was a trend towards reduced preferences for the matched shoal under increased predation risk. Small fish were more active than large fish, moving between shoals more frequently. Activity levels increased as predation risk decreased. We found no effect of unmatched shoal size on preferences or activity. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest that predation risk and individual body size act together to influence shoaling decisions. Oddity was more important for large than small fish, reducing in importance at higher predation risks. Dilution was potentially of limited importance at these shoal sizes. Activity levels may relate to how much sampling of each shoal was needed by the test fish during decision making. Predation pressure may select for better decision makers to survive to larger size, or that older, larger fish have learned to make shoaling decisions more efficiently, and this, combined with their size relative to shoal-mates, and attractiveness as prey items influences shoaling decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolen M Rodgers
- Institute of Integrative and Comparative Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.
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30
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Gómez-Laplaza LM, Gerlai R. Can angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) count? Discrimination between different shoal sizes follows Weber’s law. Anim Cogn 2010; 14:1-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10071-010-0337-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2010] [Revised: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 06/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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31
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Schürch R, Heg D. Life history and behavioral type in the highly social cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher. Behav Ecol 2010. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arq024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Lee-Jenkins SSY, Godin JGJ. Social familiarity and shoal formation in juvenile fishes. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2010; 76:580-590. [PMID: 20666898 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2009.02512.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The potential influence of social familiarity in shoal-choice decisions was investigated in two sympatric species of north temperate fishes, juvenile banded killifish Fundulus diaphanus and juvenile bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus. Groups of socially familiar and unfamiliar conspecifics were formed in the laboratory using wild-caught fishes. Juvenile F. diaphanus demonstrated a strong preference for familiar conspecific shoalmates, whereas juvenile L. macrochirus exhibited no preference for either unfamiliar or familiar conspecific shoalmates. The differential influence of familiarity on shoalmate choice in juveniles of these two species could be due to their different ecologies, local population densities and life histories.
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Huntingford FA, Ruiz-Gomez ML. Three-spined sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus as a model for exploring behavioural biology. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2009; 75:1943-1976. [PMID: 20738667 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2009.02420.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Niko Tinbergen chose the three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus for his classic behavioural studies because they are small, robust, common and easy to house in the laboratory under reasonably natural conditions and also because their behaviour, while sufficiently simple to be tractable, is still sufficiently complex to be interesting. An analysis of citation records shows that this was an inspired choice. Research on these small fish has addressed all four of Tinbergen's famous questions (causation, development, functions and evolution) and has contributed to the understanding of many different behavioural systems. The G. aculeatus literature is used here to explore several themes in fundamental behavioural biology (diet choice, shoaling, behavioural syndromes and sexual signalling) and the extent to which research using G. aculeatus has informed both fundamental and applied behavioural biology, the latter in the context of aquaculture research.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Huntingford
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biomedical & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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Darden SK, James R, Ramnarine IW, Croft DP. Social implications of the battle of the sexes: sexual harassment disrupts female sociality and social recognition. Proc Biol Sci 2009; 276:2651-6. [PMID: 19386653 PMCID: PMC2686652 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2009.0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2009] [Accepted: 04/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Across sexually reproducing species, males and females are in conflict over the control of reproduction. At the heart of this conflict in a number of taxa is male harassment of females for mating opportunities and female strategies to avoid this harassment. One neglected consequence that may result from sexual harassment is the disruption of important social associations. Here, we experimentally manipulate the degree of sexual harassment that wild female guppies (Poecilia reticulata) experience by establishing replicated, semi-natural pools with different population sex ratios. We quantify the effects of sexual harassment on female social structure and the development of social recognition among females. When exposed to sexual harassment, we found that females had more disparate social networks with limited repeated interactions when compared to females that did not experience male harassment. Furthermore, females that did not experience harassment developed social recognition with familiar individuals over an 8-day period, whereas females that experienced harassment did not, an effect we suggest is due to disruption of association patterns. These results show that social network structure and social recognition can be affected by sexual harassment, an effect that will be relevant across taxonomic groups and that we predict will have fitness consequences for females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safi K Darden
- Center for Research in Animal Behaviour, School of Psychology, Washington Singer Labs, University of Exeter, Perry Road, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK.
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Thünken T, Waltschyk N, Bakker TCM, Kullmann H. Olfactory self-recognition in a cichlid fish. Anim Cogn 2009; 12:717-24. [PMID: 19462188 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-009-0231-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Revised: 04/09/2009] [Accepted: 04/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Animal self-cognizance might be of importance in different contexts like territoriality, self-referent mate-choice or kin recognition. We investigated whether the cichlid fish Pelvicachromis taeniatus is able to recognize own olfactory cues. P. taeniatus is a cave breeding fish with pronounced brood care and social behavior. In the experiments we gave male cave owners the choice between two caves in which we introduced scented water. In a first experiment males preferred caves with their own odor over caves with the odor of an unfamiliar, unrelated male. To examine whether self-recognition is based rather on individual or on family cues we conducted two further experiments in which males could choose between their own odor and the odor of a familiar brother and between the odor of a familiar brother and an unfamiliar, unrelated male, respectively. Males preferred their own odor over that of a familiar brother suggesting individual self-referencing. Interestingly, males (at least outbred ones) preferred the odor of an unfamiliar, unrelated male over that of a familiar brother, maybe to avoid competition with kin. We discuss the results in the context of animal self-cognizance. All experiments were conducted with in- and outbred fish. Inbreeding did not negatively affect self-recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Thünken
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, Bonn 53121, Germany.
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36
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Frommen JG, Hiermes M, Bakker TCM. Disentangling the effects of group size and density on shoaling decisions of three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-009-0767-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Mehlis M, Bakker TCM, Frommen JG. Smells like sib spirit: kin recognition in three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is mediated by olfactory cues. Anim Cogn 2008; 11:643-50. [PMID: 18465154 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-008-0154-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2007] [Revised: 03/25/2008] [Accepted: 04/18/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The ability to recognise kin has been demonstrated in several animal species. However, the mechanisms of kin recognition often remain unknown. The most frequently discussed sensory modalities to recognise kin are visual, olfactory and acoustical cues. Three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) are able to differentiate between kin and non-kin when presented visual and olfactory cues combined. To elucidate, which cues they use to recognise kin female sticklebacks were given the choice between two identical computer animations of courting stickleback males. Next to one animation, water conditioned by a brother was added, while near the other, water from an unrelated male was added. In half of the experiments, the brother was familiar while in the other half he was unfamiliar to the female. Both scenarios were carried out with both outbred and inbred fish. The results showed that the females adjusted their choice behaviour according to relatedness. Furthermore, they were able to recognise both familiar as well as unfamiliar brothers. Inbreeding did not affect this ability. Hence, three-spined sticklebacks are able to recognise their relatives using olfactory cues alone. The cognitive mechanisms underlying this ability were independent from familiarity and not impaired by inbreeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Mehlis
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
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