Shoal sex composition and predation risk influence sub-adult threespine stickleback shoaling decisions

Rystrom, Taylor Lynne; Clement, Vic Fernand; Rick, Ingolf P.; Bakker, Theo C. M.; Mehlis, Marion

doi:10.1016/j.beproc.2018.06.009

Cited by 9 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…Several studies have quantified the tendency of a focal three-spined stickleback to approach and stay close to a group of conspecifics placed behind a transparent barrier in different contexts [30–32]. However, to our knowledge there are no studies measuring shoaling in free swimming sticklebacks by calculating the distances between the members of the group.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This aggregation provides benefits for their members such as reduced predation risk and increased foraging efficiency and mating opportunities [55]. In three-spined sticklebacks this behaviour is typically measured in tanks with three compartments separated by transparent walls, where a focal fish in the centre shows preference to swim close to conspecifics located in one of the lateral compartments [30–32,56,57]. The same type of attraction is elicited if the conspecifics are confined in a glass flask placed in the tank with the focal fish [52,58].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The three-spined stickleback as a model for behavioural neuroscience

Norton

Gutiérrez

2019

PLoS ONE

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The three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is a small teleost fish that is ubiquitous across the Northern Hemisphere. Among the behaviours that have been characterised in this species is ritualized courtship, aggressiveness and parental behaviour. Whereas three-spined sticklebacks have been used for ecological, evolutionary, parasitological and toxicological research, its complex behavioural repertoire and experimental advantages have not been exploited for basic neuroscience research. The aim of the present study is to describe some innate behaviours of laboratory bred three-spined sticklebacks by using a battery of tests that have been developed and validated to model some aspects of human psychiatric disorders in zebrafish. We recorded mirror induced aggression, novel object boldness, shoaling, and anxiety-like behaviour using both the novel tank diving and the black-white preference tests. We show that behaviour of three-spined sticklebacks in these standard tests is remarkably similar to that of zebrafish and other species and can be altered by fluoxetine and buspirone. These findings highlight the potential of using three-spined sticklebacks for cross-species and translational studies.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The three-spined stickleback as a model for behavioural neuroscience

Norton

Gutiérrez

2019

PLoS ONE

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“…In summary, this study found significant effects of the sexual composition on swimming activity in a baseline shoaling context as well as regarding shock reaction. Sexual differences in activity and other aspects of shoaling behaviour are understudied (but see Richards et al ., 2010; Rystrom et al ., 2018), although they may ultimately affect individuals' fitness, e.g ., in terms of foraging or mating, and may be related to sex‐biased dispersal. Further research should address the causes and consequences of sex‐biased activity levels in fishes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Whereas most studies investigate sex effects concerning shoal choice by individuals, few studies consider shoal members' behaviour, i.e ., actual shoaling performance. Yet female guppies, Poecilia reticulata , were shown to spend more time shoaling and to swim more cohesively than male conspecifics (Richards et al ., 2010), whereas non‐reproductive male three‐spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus , shoal more actively than females (Rystrom et al ., 2018). Sex‐specific energy requirements (Blumer, 1986) may have implications for shoaling variables in species that forage in shoals.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental habituation and sexual composition affect juveniles' shoaling activity in a cichlid fish (Pelvicachromis taeniatus)

Schons

Vitt

Thünken

2021

Journal of Fish Biology

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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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“…Different preferences may be expressed according to context. In sub-adult threespine sticklebacks, fish preferred to associate with the opposite sex under low predation threat, but changed the preference in favor of same sex fish when predation risk was greater (Rystrom et al, 2018). The shoaling preferences of individuals is also mediated by the sex of the choosing fish.…”

Section: Sexmentioning

confidence: 98%

Social Recognition and Social Attraction in Group-Living Fishes

2020

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Social aggregation is a widespread and important phenomenon among fishes. Understanding the questions of why and how aggregations form and are subsequently maintained is a central goal for behavioral ecologists. Research in this field has shown that aggregations are typically structured, non-random associations. This indicates that fish are able to differentiate between potential group-mates and that this ability mediates their association preferences, and, ultimately, the composition of their groups. In this review, we examine the characteristics that influence the expression of social attraction among fishes, before going on to describe the recognition mechanisms that underpin social attraction. Finally, we highlight a number of outstanding questions in the field with a view to generating a more complete understanding of social aggregation in fishes.

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Shoal sex composition and predation risk influence sub-adult threespine stickleback shoaling decisions

Cited by 9 publications

References 60 publications

The three-spined stickleback as a model for behavioural neuroscience

The three-spined stickleback as a model for behavioural neuroscience

Environmental habituation and sexual composition affect juveniles' shoaling activity in a cichlid fish (Pelvicachromis taeniatus)

Social Recognition and Social Attraction in Group-Living Fishes

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