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Further evidence for size‐assortative schooling in sticklebacks
Author(s) -
Ranta E.,
Juvonen S.K.,
Peuhkuri N.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1992.tb02689.x
Subject(s) - biology , stickleback , fish <actinopterygii> , preference , selection (genetic algorithm) , zoology , fishery , predator , interspecific competition , predation , ecology , statistics , mathematics , artificial intelligence , computer science
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.