Further evidence for size-assortative schooling in sticklebacks
Abstract
Using brook (Culaea inconstans) and 10-spined (Pungitius pungitius) sticklebacks we examined body-size related schooling behaviour. Small and large sticklebacks were allowed to choose between two test schools, of small and of large individuals, with and without a piscivorous fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss) visible. Sticklebacks of both species preferred the company of fish of matching body size: small fish associating with a school of small fish, large fish with a school of large fish. While no interspecific differences were found in responses to school selection, body size and predator presence did affect selection of school-type. In both species, small fish tended to show a stronger preference for matching schools. The preference was enhanced in small fish with presence of a predator, but not in large fish. These observations are further evidence for assortative schooling in sticklebacks.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Fish Biology
- Pub Date:
- October 1992
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 1992JFBio..41..627R
- Keywords:
-
- schooling;
- size-assortative;
- predation risk;
- Culaea inconstans;
- Pungitius pungitius