Responses Elicited by Species-Specific Models in the Cichlid Crenicichla Lepidota (Heckel)

Abstract

Species recognition by the cichlid fish C. lepidota was studied by measuring species-specific aggressive behavior toward either live conspecifics (control) or toward different two-dimensional models. A plain fish-shaped model elicited aggressive behavior, but the responses were mostly absent when the model was a rectangle. Adding heavy stripes to the fish-shaped form increased the responses, which were further enhanced by adding a spot. Comparable aggressive responses were also induced by adding spots and eye to dummies with thin stripes. We conclude that in our experimental conditions, fish-like shape and contrast seem to be of great significance for recognition of conspecifics in the cichlid C. lepidota (Heckel).

Key Words:

• shape recognition
• contrast discrimination
• cichlid fish
• aggressive behavior
• innate behavior