Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was to observe agonistic interactions between juvenile members of the families Haemulidae and Lutjanidae. Both families are salt water fishes whose habitats and diets frequently overlap. Lutjanidae, commonly referred to as snappers, are a critically important commercial and recreational species that are sought after by fishermen worldwide. It is this fishing pressure that is most likely responsible for the decline in global snapper populations.
Traditionally, grunt (Haemulidae) are more abundant than snapper, and it is not entirely understood why. There are notable differences in the behavior of the juvenile members of these two families, with haemulids preferring a more social life style while lutjanids prefer a solitary lifestyle. The driving question for this study is whether or not behavior-driven bottom up controls at the juvenile life stage have an influence on adult snapper populations. As juveniles, both, lutjanids and haemulids are plentiful, and found commonly in mangrove areas and shallow reefs. However, as they mature, a notable decline in the snapper population has been observed. It is theorized that selective fishing pressures have a large effect on the declining population; however, it is possible that the early juvenile competition between lutjanids and haemulids may also have an effect on the lower population numbers of lutjanids.
In a preliminary study, it was found that juvenile lutjanids are on average, more aggressive than their haemulid counterparts demonstrating several occurrences of territorial displays and other agonistic behaviors.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Paul Arena
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-12-2013 1:00 PM
End Date
4-12-2013 5:30 PM
Agonism in Marine Fish Species
Alvin Sherman Library
The purpose of this experiment was to observe agonistic interactions between juvenile members of the families Haemulidae and Lutjanidae. Both families are salt water fishes whose habitats and diets frequently overlap. Lutjanidae, commonly referred to as snappers, are a critically important commercial and recreational species that are sought after by fishermen worldwide. It is this fishing pressure that is most likely responsible for the decline in global snapper populations.
Traditionally, grunt (Haemulidae) are more abundant than snapper, and it is not entirely understood why. There are notable differences in the behavior of the juvenile members of these two families, with haemulids preferring a more social life style while lutjanids prefer a solitary lifestyle. The driving question for this study is whether or not behavior-driven bottom up controls at the juvenile life stage have an influence on adult snapper populations. As juveniles, both, lutjanids and haemulids are plentiful, and found commonly in mangrove areas and shallow reefs. However, as they mature, a notable decline in the snapper population has been observed. It is theorized that selective fishing pressures have a large effect on the declining population; however, it is possible that the early juvenile competition between lutjanids and haemulids may also have an effect on the lower population numbers of lutjanids.
In a preliminary study, it was found that juvenile lutjanids are on average, more aggressive than their haemulid counterparts demonstrating several occurrences of territorial displays and other agonistic behaviors.
