Field study of Haplochromis burtoni: Quantitative behavioural observations

doi:10.1016/0003-3472(77)90048-3

Animal Behaviour

Volume 25, Part 4, November 1977, Pages 964-975

https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-3472(77)90048-3 Get rights and content

Abstract

Haplochromis burtoni observed in their natural habitat behave differently from those observed in aquaria in several respects. The majority of the territorial males observed in Lake Tanganyika living in a colony did not have the characteristic black eye bar as a part of their bright coloration, although otherwise the colour markings were identical. Those animals with eye bars appeared to be at a disadvantage in competition with barless fish for territories. The non-territorial males, females and juveniles are uniformly cryptically coloured and remained together in two or three large schools on the edge of the colony. These schools drifted slowly through the colony area, attempting to feed in the territories. Territorial males solicited females and chased non-territorial males. Sequences of behavioural events performed during courtship varied, depending on the local population density. Sound recordings showed no purposeful sounds associated with any behavioural acts.

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^∗: Present address: Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, U.S.A.

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Field study of Haplochromis burtoni: Quantitative behavioural observations

Abstract

Anim. Behav

Anim. Behav

Freiwasserbeobachtungen an Tilapien (Pisces: Cichlidae) in Ostafrika

Z. Tierpsychol

An introduction to the study of the ethology of cichlid fishes

Behav. Suppl

Social behaviour of a South American leaf fish, Polycentrus schomburgkii with an account of recurring pseudofemale behaviour

Am. Mid. Nat

The influence of drought on reproduction in a breeding population of red-winged blackbirds

Am. Midl. Nat

Territorial behavior and population regulation in birds

Wilson Bull

The buffer effect and productivity in tit populations

Am. Nat

The biology of Tilapia grahami Boul

Acta Tropica

Fast body turns in a cichlid fish

Nature, Lond