BUTTERFLYFISH SOCIAL-BEHAVIOR, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE INCIDENCE OF TERRITORIALITY - A REVIEW

TY - JOUR

T1 - BUTTERFLYFISH SOCIAL-BEHAVIOR, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE INCIDENCE OF TERRITORIALITY - A REVIEW

AU - Roberts, C M

AU - Ormond, R F G

PY - 1992/5

Y1 - 1992/5

N2 - Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) are among the best studied of coral reef fishes. Feeding ecology and some aspects of behaviour have been firmly established. However, spacing behaviour remains controversial. Two major studies made in the 1970s concluded that the majority of species were not territorial. We suggest that these and other studies which have concluded that territories are not held have generally suffered from short observation periods, and have not mapped the ranges occupied by individuals. Further, low frequencies of agonistic behaviour have been interpreted as evidence of non-territoriality. By contrast, studies which have proven territoriality have had long observation periods and have mapped ranges. These have shown that territories are usually maintained with verv little overt aggression. Spacing behaviour and feeding behaviour are clearly linked. with territoriality common among benthic-feeding species, especially obligate corallivores. Species with broad dietary flexibility tend to have flexible social systems, while plankton feeders are usually gregarious. The widespread occurrence of monogamy in butterflyfishes appears linked to territoriality, the majority of territorial species identified to date occurring predominantly as pairs. Data currently available suggest that this because pair defence of the territory is more efficient than by individuals. However, several alternative hypotheses for the evolution of monogamy based on spawning constraints and predation risk cannot vet be ruled out.

AB - Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) are among the best studied of coral reef fishes. Feeding ecology and some aspects of behaviour have been firmly established. However, spacing behaviour remains controversial. Two major studies made in the 1970s concluded that the majority of species were not territorial. We suggest that these and other studies which have concluded that territories are not held have generally suffered from short observation periods, and have not mapped the ranges occupied by individuals. Further, low frequencies of agonistic behaviour have been interpreted as evidence of non-territoriality. By contrast, studies which have proven territoriality have had long observation periods and have mapped ranges. These have shown that territories are usually maintained with verv little overt aggression. Spacing behaviour and feeding behaviour are clearly linked. with territoriality common among benthic-feeding species, especially obligate corallivores. Species with broad dietary flexibility tend to have flexible social systems, while plankton feeders are usually gregarious. The widespread occurrence of monogamy in butterflyfishes appears linked to territoriality, the majority of territorial species identified to date occurring predominantly as pairs. Data currently available suggest that this because pair defence of the territory is more efficient than by individuals. However, several alternative hypotheses for the evolution of monogamy based on spawning constraints and predation risk cannot vet be ruled out.

KW - CHAETODONTIDAE

KW - MONOGAMY

KW - AGGRESSION

KW - CORAL REEF FISH

KW - FORAGING BEHAVIOR

KW - JUVENILE

KW - CORAL-REEF FISH

KW - GREAT-BARRIER-REEF

KW - CHAETODON-CAPISTRATUS

KW - FAMILY CHAETODONTIDAE

KW - FUNCTIONAL-MORPHOLOGY

KW - THREESPOT DAMSELFISH

KW - COMMUNITY STRUCTURE

KW - FEEDING-BEHAVIOR

KW - HAWAIIAN

KW - PATTERNS

M3 - Literature review

SN - 0378-1909

VL - 34

SP - 79

EP - 93

JO - Environmental biology of fishes

JF - Environmental biology of fishes

IS - 1

ER -