ISSN:
1600-0633
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract– The mechanisms leading to spatial segregation along optical habitat dimensions in closely related, co-occurring fishes were investigated. In two experimental series, six laboratory-reared cyprinid species were faced to six novel optical patterns. These were positioned either laterally, at the bottom, or at the water surface, in one of three compartments of a large tank. When a bottom pattern was presented, the primarily bottom-dwelling species Vimba elonguta and Abranzis brama chose the test compartment at high frequencies, indicating a significant preference. More surface-oriented species like Chalcalburnus chalcoides mento and Scardinius erythrophthalmus developed similar preferences in response to surface patterns. V. elongata, A. brama, and Rutilus rutilus showed significant preferences for a photograph of submerged plants. Also, V. elongata developed preferences for several optical patterns. These data confirm earlier studies on V. elongata habitat selection and foraging behaviour which suggest a highly exploratory lifestyle. S. erythrophthalmus and Leuciscus cephalus showed significant avoidances for laterally positioned optical patterns associated with reduced interindividual distances, indicating marked neophobic responses. The establishment of species-specific preferences or avoidances during the two experimental series was influenced by learning processes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0633.1995.tb00028.x
