Responses elicited by species-specific models in the cichlid Crenicichla lepidota (Heckel).
Species recognition by the cichlid fish C. lepidota was studied by measuring species-specific aggressive behavior toward either live conspecifics (control) or toward different two-dimensional models. A plain fish-shaped model elicited aggressive behavior, but the responses were mostly absent when the model was a rectangle. Adding heavy stripes to the fish-shaped form increased the responses, which were further enhanced by adding a spot. Comparable aggressive responses were also induced by adding spots and eye to dummies with thin stripes. We conclude that in our experimental conditions, fish-like shape and contrast seem to be of great significance for recognition of conspecifics in the cichlid C. lepidota (Heckel).
Cravchik
A
A
Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Fisiologia, Argentina.
Pazo
J H
JH
D000374:Aggression; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D013045:Species Specificity