Work

Not all social coral reef fishes form strict size‐based dominance hierarchies: An investigation of intraspecific size ratios in Dascyllus aruanus

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We present a random pattern of body size ratios between adjacent ranked group members in the humbug damselfish Dascyllus aruanus. This random distribution of size ratios differs from the other well-known group-living coral reef fishes which exhibit non-random, well-defined and closely regulated size differences between ranks. Our results suggest a relaxation of social constraints in D. aruanus which may be due to its social system, mating system, capacity for movement or a combination thereof. Investigating how these traits co-vary within and among populations is an interesting avenue of future research.

Source: Journal of Fish Biology

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.70047

Authors: Rebecca Branconi, Peter M. Buston, Marian Y. L. Wong

Institutions: Boston University, Pennsylvania State University, World Biodiversity Association, University of Wollongong

Language: English

Topic: Animal Behavior and Reproduction

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,480

Funders: Boston University, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, University of Wollongong