The Function of Agonistic Display Behaviours in Gnathonemus Petersii

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2004

Abstract

In pairs of interacting Gnathonemus petersii, a mormyrid electric fish, dominant individuals were larger (longer body). Pairs of interacting fish of similar body size emitted more parallel displays at the onset of an interaction. Over the course of 10 min interactions, head butting increased and parallel display decreased. This decrease occurred primarily in pairs that contained a prior resident and intruder, as compared with two intruders. The patterns of electric organ discharge during parallel display, and the possible sensory modalities mediating this behaviour are discussed.

Comments

This paper was published during postdoctoral Fellow/Associate work at Rutgers University, 2003-2006.

DOI

10.1111/j.0022-1112.2004.00401.x

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