Habitat-specific chemical cues influence association preferences and shoal cohesion in fish

摘要: The structure of social animal groups can be dynamic, characterized by high rates group fission and fusion. Despite this, composition is often well ordered factors such as species, body size numerous other phenotypic traits. Research in shoaling fishes has revealed that individuals refine membership decisions still further are capable assimilating chemical cues pertaining to recent habitat prey use prospective mates, preferring associate with others whose resource history closely matches their own. In this study, we firstly examined the dynamics formation breakdown these preferences, revealing they acquired replaced a matter just few hours. Using enables accurately assess conspecifics, allowing them indirectly sample local environment while reducing chances acquiring outdated information precipitate maladaptive behaviors. Secondly, found shoals composed shared were more cohesive compared those where constituent differed use. Increased shoal cohesion may reduce predation risk, could enhance ability detect information.