Status-dependent foraging behaviour in coral reef wrasses

Abstract

Field observations using underwater video were used to reveal differences in the duration and frequency that fish engaged in daily behaviours such as chasing, searching, feeding, and travelling, according to their social patterns [passive or aggressive terminal phases (TPs), pair-spawning, or promiscuous groups] and intraspecific status (terminal or initial colour phases). Marked differences were apparent according to status, but this was not consistent among the three species; TP Cheilinus fasciatus tended to swim in longer bouts with less frequent searching or feeding than initial phase (IP) conspecifics; TP Cirrhilabrus punctatus exhibited less frequent feeding and travelling than IP conspecifics, while the most aggressive species Stethojulis bandanensis displayed no significant intraspecific differences. We highlight the importance of social context and individual status when examining fish foraging activities and the utility of underwater video for recording the duration and frequency that fish engage in essential daily activities. Show more