Spatial Dominance and Food Success in Cichlid and Centrarchid Fishes

Abstract

Nine fish from the cichlid family and nine fish from the centrarchid family were established as residents of a community aquarium. Independent judges recorded initiators and recipients of agonistic behaviors and also the identity of fish obtaining preferred foods that were systematically released in the tank. Cichlids were more often found to be spatially dominant, while centrarchids were more likely to obtain preferred foods. Weight was related to spatial dominance within species, but not between species. Weight was not correlated with food success.