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Pair behavior and spacing in butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae)

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Three species of butterflyfishes, Chaetodon multicinctus, C. quadrimaculatus and C. ornatissimus were observed over a seven month period on the Kona coast of the island of Hawaii. All three species were found to be exclusively paired. However, C. quadrimaculatus and C. ornatissimus pair mates spent less time together and had longer separations and fewer meetings than did C. multicinctus pairs. All three species occupied and defended intraspecifically exclusive territories. Territories were maintained through mutual avoidance with occasional agonistic interactions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Colorado at Denver, 80202, Denver, CO, U.S.A.

    Janis Wiley Driscoll & John L. Driscoll

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  1. Janis Wiley Driscoll
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  2. John L. Driscoll
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Driscoll, J.W., Driscoll, J.L. Pair behavior and spacing in butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae). Environ Biol Fish 22, 29–37 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00000542

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00000542

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