Abstract
This study observed differences in behavior associated with parasites in the fish Canthigaster jactator. These fish were observed both within Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, and just outside the bay. Normal (unparasitized) fish behaved similarly to their congeners. Behavior varied by size class and presumed sex. Larger fish (males) patrolled territories and courted medium-sized fish (females), which freely crossed male territories. Smaller fish appeared to be immature and remained in limited home ranges on the edge of male territories. All fish parasitized with a philometrid nematode acted most like immature ”normal” fish, with limited home ranges and few social interactions. However, parasitized fish ate at twice the rate of unparasitized fish. All fish collected from the bay contained some parasites, and none were sexually mature, whereas no parasites were found in fish from outside the bay. These data suggest that parasites affect the behavior of C. jactator. Moreover, parasites may limit the sexual maturation of their hosts.
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Received: 4 July 2000 / Received in revised form: 28 September 2000 / Accepted: 13 November 2000
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Reavis, R., Barrett, M. Do parasites affect the behavior of the Hawaiian white-spotted toby, Canthigaster jactator (Pisces)?. acta ethol 3, 151–154 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s102110000036
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s102110000036