Behavioral and ontogenetic colour changes of a poorly known lutjanid

Abstract

Despite its high economic value to fisheries, little is known about the ecology of the recently described Lutjanus alexandrei. This is the first report on the array of colouration exhibited by this species in its natural habitats: coral reefs, algal beds and mangroves. Five colour patterns occur in L. alexandrei, and they are related to different life phases or behaviour. Variable colouration is shown on the head, body and fin edges. Colour patterns range from uniform to barred and blotched, from white to red and brown. This variable colouration is mostly related to camouflage on different backgrounds. Some of these patterns are also displayed during interspecific associations. Further investigations are necessary to expand our knowledge on the ecology of this recently described species.

Keywords:

• Lutjanus alexandrei
• southwestern Atlantic
• snapper
• reef fish behaviour

Published in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Published in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Raoni Rosa for reviewing and improving the manuscript, and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) for financial support.

Notes

Published in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Denmark