中华倒刺鲃和胭脂鱼游泳行为、应激和免疫能力对短期禁食的响应

近年来,长江流域鱼类资源急剧下降,而有关鱼类对环境变化的行为和生理响应对于评估环境变化对种群动态的影响具有重要意义,相关研究亟待开展。选取中华倒刺鲃(Spinibarbus sinensis)和胭脂鱼(Myxocyprinus asiaticus)幼鱼为实验对象,考察两种鱼类在1-2周禁食后的自发群体运动时间比、游泳速度、个体间距离、最大匀加速速度、溶菌酶含量、鱼体免疫球蛋白(IgM)水平、血清皮质醇水平和超氧化物歧化酶活性的响应。研究发现：(1)相比之下,胭脂鱼的自发游泳行为表现不太活跃,游泳能力和IgM水平更低,超氧化物歧化酶SOD水平更高;(2)胭脂鱼在正常摄食条件下比中华倒刺鲃生长更慢,但是在1-2周短期禁食条件下其体重下降更少;(3)1-2周的短期禁食结束后,两种实验鱼的SOD活性和游泳能力变化不明显,但是其IgM水平和皮质醇都提高,胭脂鱼表现不及中华倒刺鲃;(4)胭脂鱼的溶菌酶含量在1-2周短期禁食后明显提高,但是中华倒刺鲃的溶菌酶含量没有受到1-2周短期禁食的显著影响。研究表明：(1)相比于中华倒刺鲃,胭脂鱼不太活跃,免疫和运动能力也更低,当食物充足时生长优势不明显,但在食物短缺时,营养物质和能量损失更少;(2)两种实验鱼的生理机能(比如游泳行为和免疫功能)对短期禁食有不同的响应,胭脂鱼更加不敏感(溶菌酶除外)。总体而言,研究表明同样的食物资源波动可能导致同一水域不同鱼类不同的生态后果,更多鱼类的相关研究亟待开展。     

倒刺鲃属鱼类系统分类的研究（鲤形目：鲤科）

倒刺鲃属（Ｓｐｉｎｉｂａｒｂｕｓ）鱼类分布于我国秦岭以南和元江以东诸水系以及台湾和海南岛。其属级和种级分类,历来意见不一。对采自６个省区的１０４尾标本进行形态性状测量和对骨骼标本进行观察的结果表明,倒刺鲃属鱼类以其最末一枚前躯椎上方无上髓棘、第４椎骨的髓棘发达、背鳍前方具一卧伏于皮下的倒刺等特征与亚科（Ｂａｒｂｉｎａｅ）其余属种明显相区别,进一步肯定了把它们作为亚科的一个属是合适的。该属鱼类共有５个有效种,而且首次提出长身刺鲃（Ｓ．ｅｔｏｎｇａｔｕｓ）是光倒刺鲃（Ｓ．ｈｏｌｌａｎｄｉ）的同物异名。光倒刺鲃和倒刺鲃（Ｓ．ｄｅｎｔｉｃｕｌａｔｕｓ）的种内地理变异呈现出独特的相关性,提示海南岛的倒刺　属鱼类可能是源自珠江水系,而不是源自元江水系。     

饥饿对中华倒刺鲃幼鱼代谢、个性和集群的影响

在自然界中,环境变化、季节更替和人为因素造成食物资源时空分布的不均一性,导致鱼类经常面临食物资源短缺的环境胁迫,对其能量代谢和行为造成一定影响。为考察食物资源短缺下暖水性鲤科鱼类能量代谢、个性与集群行为的应对策略及其可能的内在关联,选取中华倒刺鲃(Spinibarbus sinensis)幼鱼为实验对象,分别测定饥饿组(2周)和对照组(维持日粮)在处理前后实验鱼的标准代谢率(Standard metabolic rate,SMR)、个性行为(勇敢性、探索性和活跃性)以及实验处理后的集群行为(凝聚力和协调性)。研究发现:(1)饥饿组和对照组实验过程中实验鱼SMR均显著下降,但仅饥饿组实验鱼SMR具有重复性;(2)饥饿导致中华倒刺鲃幼鱼勇敢性、探索性、活跃性均显著增加;(3)饥饿导致群体成员间距离缩短,游泳速度及其同步性上升。研究表明:饥饿后的中华倒刺鲃不仅适应性降低SMR以减少能量消耗,而且呈现出更高的勇敢性、探索性和活跃性以利于获取食物资源;饥饿迫使中华倒刺鲃群体提高凝聚力和协调性,可能有助于提高群体的生存能力。     

四种鲤科鱼类对捕食胁迫行为响应的种间比较

为了比较早期捕食胁迫经历和当前环境中存在的捕食者对鱼类行为的影响,并考查这些影响是否存在种间差异,研究分别考查了测定环境(有、无捕食者存在)对有、无捕食胁迫经历的鳊(Parabramis pekinensis)、草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)、鲫(Carassius auratus)和中华倒刺鲃(Spinibarbus sinensis)等4种鲤科鱼类探索性、活跃性和勇敢性的影响。结果发现:早期捕食胁迫经历与当前环境条件对鱼类行为产生截然不同的影响,且存在较大的种间差异。无捕食胁迫经历的鳊、草鱼和中华倒刺鲃均会对陌生的捕食者乌鳢(Channa argus)做出行为响应,提示这3种鱼可能对陌生捕食者具有一定的识别能力,但这种识别与猎物鱼通过捕食胁迫经历获得的识别仍具有一定差距;具有捕食胁迫经历的鳊和中华倒刺鲃在空白环境中未表现出反捕食行为,可能是节约能量的一种策略。总体而言,草鱼对捕食胁迫经历和测定环境处理反应更为敏感,而中华倒刺鲃的反应则相对保守。但当周围环境中存在捕食者时, 4种鲤科鱼类均会通过维持较高运动状态的方式来应对捕食者。维持这种应激状态可能对猎物鱼...     

个性对中华倒刺鲃群体运动特征和食物占有能力的影响

为了探讨鱼类个性特征(勇敢性和社会性)对集群行为的影响及其与食物占有能力之间的关联, 实验选取中华倒刺鲃(Spinibarbus sinensis)幼鱼为实验对象, 分别测定其勇敢性、社会性和单尾饲养条件下的食物占有能力(摄食率)和生长、集群时每尾鱼个体运动特征及其食物占有能力(摄食率)。研究发现: (1)中华倒刺鲃的勇敢性和社会性具有较好的重复性, 且两者呈显著负相关, 但均与食物占有能力无关联; (2)社会性高的个体集群时运动时间比和速度同步性较低。(3)集群时较为活跃且距离鱼群质心距离较远的个体往往具有较高的食物占有能力。研究表明: (1)中华倒刺鲃的社会性在集群运动时能够很好的保留, 且个性差异会对集群运动特征产生重要影响。(2)在集群行为中, 群体成员运动特征的异质性会导致其食物占有能力出现差异, 这进一步表明个性分化对鱼类的集群生活具有重要的影响。     

光倒刺鲃、中华倒刺鲃和倒刺鲃氨基酸成分和微量元素的测定

本文对光倒刺鲃,中华倒刺鲃和倒刺鲃18种氨基酸和8种微量元素进行了分析,结果表明:这三种鱼是营养价值很高、滋味很鲜美的鱼类。并且,根据结果氨基酸组成比例,可为该鱼的人工饲养等方面的研究提供理论依据。     

环境类型和代谢表型对中华倒刺鲃群体行为的影响

鱼类个体因社会原因而聚集成群现象称作为鱼类群体行为,受到多种因素（如环境类型和能量代谢等）的影响。为考察代谢表型和环境类型对我国长江上游鲤科鱼类群体行为的影响,本研究以喜集群的中华倒刺鲃（Spinibarbus sinensis）为实验对象,在（26.1±0.1）℃水温条件下对该种鱼进行4种代谢表型[低标准代谢率/低代谢空间（低SMR/低AS）、低标准代谢率/高代谢空间（低SMR/高AS）、高标准代谢率/低代谢空间（高SMR/低AS）、高标准代谢率/高代谢空间（高SMR/高AS）]的分型并且在不同生态环境（无食物隐蔽场所、食物、食物隐蔽场所）条件下拍摄实验鱼的群体行为。结果发现：（1）中华倒刺鲃群体中的个体空间位置不受环境类型和代谢表型的影响;（2）中华倒刺鲃在空白环境（无食物隐蔽场所）和食物环境中的个体（群体）游泳速度和移动距离低于食物隐蔽场所环境,但前两种环境的个体游泳速度同步性高于食物隐蔽场所环境。（3）低SMR/低AS表型的个体空间位置的变异系数显著低于其它3种代谢表型;高SMR/高AS表型的最近邻距离以及与群体中间距离均大于低SMR/高AS和低SMR/低AS的两种代谢表型。然而,每种代谢表型在不同环境之间的最近邻距离均无差异。研究表明：虽然中华倒刺鲃群体中的个体空间位置不受环境类型和代谢表型影响,但不同代谢表型间的最近邻距离存在显著差异,暗示个体间的相互吸引力具有代谢表型依赖性;环境复杂性的增加可能不影响中华倒刺鲃的群体协调性。     

群体成员大小差异对不同生境鲤科鱼类集群行为的影响

为研究群体成员大小差异对不同喜好生境鱼类集群行为特征的影响, 实验分别以鳊(Parabramis pekinensis)和中华倒刺鲃(Spinibarbus sinensis)幼鱼为实验对象, 比较分析4尾等大小(E)和不等大小(2大2小, NE)实验鱼群体的自发游泳速度、空间分布以及对恐吓刺激反应等集群行为参数的差异。结果显示: (1)和鳊相比, 中华倒刺鲃有更高的自发游泳速度、速度同步性和排列方向的极性, 但二者对恐吓刺激的反应率及反应的协调一致性相似; (2)当群体成员大小出现差异时, 两种鱼群体排列方向的极性不受影响, 且大小个体成员间的速度及其同步性均没有差异, 但整体的速度同步性与等大小群体相比有所下降; (3)个体间距离数据显示, 个体大小差异不会影响两种鱼群体的凝聚力; (4)群体成员在两种鱼群中偏好位置不同, 当群体成员大小不同时, 大个体成员更偏好占据领头鱼位置; (5)群体成员大小的差异导致两种鱼对刺激的反应率下降。研究表明: 中华倒刺鲃具有更高的活跃性、更好的群体运动的协调性, 可能与其流水生境相关; 当群体成员大小出现差异时, 成员不分大小在整体上协调运动的速度和方向, 并保持群体有较高的凝聚力, 但两种鱼类自发游泳速度调整策略截然不同(鳊大小个体速度妥协趋同, 而中华倒刺鲃低速个体速度提高); 群体成员大小差异导致鱼群对恐吓刺激的反应率有所下降, 可能原因包括体形差异导致的社会因素造成敏锐性下降、信息交流效率受阻和(或)集群收益代价出现分化影响一致决策的形成等。     

捕食驯化对胭脂鱼和中华倒刺鲃游泳行为、应激和免疫功能的影响

鱼类对环境的行为和生理适应能力与其在自然界的资源变动状况密切相关,研究选取胭脂鱼(Myxocyprinus asiaticus)和中华倒刺鲃(Spinibarbus sinensis)幼鱼为研究对象,考察1周捕食者(乌鳢, Channa argus)驯化对2种鱼类的运动能力(最大匀加速速度)、特异(血浆IgM水平)和非特异免疫(血浆溶菌酶含量)指标和抗氧化能力(血浆超氧化物歧化酶活性)的影响,及在有无捕食者急性暴露两种条件下的驯化和非驯化鱼群自发游泳行为(游泳速度、运动时间比和个体间距离)和应激反应(血浆皮质醇水平)。研究发现:(1)总体上中华倒刺鲃比胭脂鱼有更快的游泳速度、更为活跃的自发游泳行为、更高的血浆皮质醇和IgM水平;(2)1周捕食驯化导致两种鱼类血浆皮质醇水平、特异免疫和非特异免疫水平的上升,并且中华倒刺鲃比起胭脂鱼表现的更加明显;(3)急性捕食者暴露导致血浆皮质醇水平上升,个体间距离下降,但后者仅在非驯化组有所体现。研究表明:(1)捕食驯化鱼类通过皮质醇动员特异和非特异免疫应对应激,这些生理和行为的改变可能有利于鱼类增强避敌能力或加快非致死捕食损伤的快速恢复。这表明捕食驯...     

倒刺鲃两极虫的宿主新记录及其分子系统学研究

为弄清倒刺鲃两极虫(Myxidium spinibarba)的宿主多样性和胭脂鱼(Myxocyprinus asiaticus)寄生黏孢子虫的种类组成,研究基于形态和分子数据,比较分析了寄生于不同宿主的倒刺鲃两极虫的形态学和形态计量学特征及分子系统发育关系。结果显示:寄生于胭脂鱼和中华倒刺鲃的倒刺鲃两极虫株系在形态学和形态计量学上未出现显著性差异, 18S rDNA序列相似度为99.9%—100.0%,遗传距离为0.000—0.001,符合种内变异;寄生于不同宿主倒刺鲃两极虫的株系在系统发育树中嵌合聚支,且寄生于胭脂鱼的倒刺鲃两极虫株系先分化。以上结果表明:研究中两株系与倒刺鲃两极虫为同一物种,但在分子水平已经出现分化;这是首次在胭脂鱼中检获到黏孢子虫,胭脂鱼是倒刺鲃两极虫的新宿主。     

Relationship between body size and habitat complexity preference in age-0 and -1 year winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus

The interaction between body size, habitat complexity and interstice width on habitat preference of age-0 and -1 year Pseudopleuronectes americanus was examined using continuous remote video observation. The habitat choices of juvenile P. americanus were recorded over a 6 h period in tanks with four treatments: bare sand, sand with low complexity cobble, sand with intermediate complexity cobble and sand with high complexity cobble. Both age-0 and -1 year fish preferred cobble to bare sand. Within cobble treatments, age-0 year fish preferred intermediate complexity cobble, with a 1.59 ratio of interstitial space to body width. The largest age-1 year fish (123-130 mm standard length, L(S) ) preferred low complexity cobble. While a significant preference was not detected, medium age-1 year fish (83-88 mm L(S) ) tended to select low complexity cobble, whereas small age-1 year fish (73-82 mm L(S) ) tended to select low and intermediate cobble, with an interstitial space to body width ratio of 1.05. For medium and large age-1 year fish, there was an increased selection of low complexity cobble, corresponding to larger interstitial space to body size ratios. This study indicates that juvenile P. americanus prefer complex habitat to unstructured habitat and that this preference is mediated by a relationship between fish body size and the size of structure interstices. These results contribute to the growing body of knowledge of complex habitat selection and drivers of habitat choice in flatfishes.     

Spawning habitat selection and suitability for Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis

We have investigated the effects of three current velocities and three substrate sizes (gravel to cobble) on the spawning behavior of Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis, in spawning-induction and habitat-selection experiments. In the spawning-induction experiment under laboratory conditions the number of females induced to spawn was significantly fewer at low current velocity (ca. 5 cm s^–1) than at medium (ca. 30 cm s^–1) or high (ca. 50 cm s^–1) current velocity. Females spawned independently of substrate size in the experimental tank, and did not bury their eggs in the substrate bed. In the habitat-selection experiment under field conditions, females selected the substrate microhabitat and spawned more frequently at a site with medium substrate size (very coarse gravel; major axis ca. 40 mm) than at sites with small (fine gravel; ca. 8 mm) or large (cobble; ca. 70 mm) substrate size. We conclude that Japanese dace select spawning sites at least partly on the basis of current velocity and substrate size, which affects the survival rate of eggs.     

Patch-size dependent habitat modification and facilitation on New England cobble beaches by<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Spartina alterniflora</Emphasis>

Most marine habitats are generated by the presence of habitat-modifying species. However, little is know about many aspects of this process, such as how individual- and population-level traits of habitat modifiers affect their ability to reduce environmental stress and thus facilitate other species. An important habitat modifier in New England is the intertidal grass Spartina alterniflora which facilitates the establishment and persistence of cobble beach plant communities by reducing wave-related disturbance. The objectives of this study were to (1) quantify the modification of cobble beach habitats by S. alterniflora, (2) determine how this process is related to S. alterniflora bed traits, and (3) determine why small patches of S. alterniflora generally remain unoccupied by cobble beach plants. Our results demonstrate that S. alterniflora substantially reduces flow-related physical disturbance on cobble beaches. Behind S. alterniflora, mean flow velocity was reduced by 40–60% and substrate stability was dramatically increased compared to portions of the shoreline not bordered by this species. These comparative results were supported by a S. alterniflora shoot removal experiment, which resulted in a 33% increase in average flow velocity and an 85% increase in substrate instability relative to control areas. There was a strong inverse logarithmic relationship between bed length and both average flow velocity and substrate instability behind S. alterniflora. Most S. alterniflora beds were small and bed length was significantly related to the presence of one or more cobble beach plant species. Only 13% of beds <25 m and 40% of beds 30–40 m in length were occupied, in contrast to an occupancy rate of 87% for beds >40 m long. Seeds of two annual cobble beach species (Suaeda linearis and Salicornia europaea) were added to plots behind large (>100 m in length) and small S. alterniflora (<25 m) beds with and without a substrate stabilization manipulation. Seedlings of both species only emerged and established behind small beds when the substrate was stabilized. These results indicate that smaller S. alterniflora patches are usually unoccupied because they do not stabilize the substrate to a degree that meets the establishment requirements of seedlings. Thus, both habitat modification and facilitation by S. alterniflora are patch-size dependent. The conditionality of this facilitation appears to generate a pattern of patchy yet predictable population and community distribution at a landscape spatial scale. Received: 2 November 1998 / Accepted: 15 July 1999     

Habitat utilization, movement and use of groundwater seepages by larval and juvenile Black Redhorse, Moxostoma duquesnei

Black Redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) larval and juvenile habitat was characterized in the Grand River, Ontario from June to September 2007–2012. Similar to adult Black Redhorse and their congeners, larval Black Redhorse were most likely to be located in clean, clear, stable runs with low to moderate flow, over pebble, gravel and cobble substrate, mixed with sand. Areas (n?=?22) where 0+ Black Redhorse were observed and collected were 1.4?±?0.2 m from shore, with a mean water temperature of 22.0?±?0.5 °C, mean depth of 0.20?±?0.02 m and mean water velocity of 0.12?±?0.05 m/s. Larval and juvenile Black Redhorse occupied riffles, runs, pools and backwater areas; however, there was a strong preference for runs. Juvenile Black Redhorse moved upstream in the early evening and at night to overwintering areas in the Grand River in November when water temperature approached 5 °C. The persistence of Black Redhorse populations in the Grand River may be related to the presence of groundwater, which provides refuge from extreme temperature and poor water quality during the summer.     

Substrate selection by juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua): effects of predation risk

Although predator avoidance has been proposed as one possible factor influencing the distribution of fish among substrate types, no study has addressed this question directly. Groups of juvenile Atlantic cod were offered a choice between pairs of the following three substrates: sand, gravel-pebble and cobble. Their distribution on these substrates was compared prior to, during and following exposure to a predator (i.e. a larger conspecific). With no apparent risk of predation, juvenile cod preferred sand or gravel-pebble. When cobble was present, juveniles hid in the interstitial spaces of this substrate in the presence of a predator. With no cobble present, juveniles showed no preference between sand and gravel-pebble, and did not seek refuge from predation in association with these substrates. Following exposure to a predator (i.e. 2.5 h later) larger juvenile cod again showed a preference for the finer-grained substrates, but smaller individuals continued to associated with the cobble. The presence of cobble resulted in fewer juveniles being captured and a significant increase in the latency until the first juvenile was captured by the predator. Results are discussed with respect to the effects of predation on the distribution and survival of fishes among substrate types.     

A versatile laboratory stream with examples of its use in the investigation of invertebrate behaviour

A versatile and simple laboratory stream was designed and used to investigate the burrowing activity of two insects in response to changes in water velocity and substrate type.Aphelocheirus aestivalis adults were unable to burrow into sand, however, a small proportion of juveniles did burrow in this substrate. The presence of sand in gravel reduced the burrowing success of adults. Steady increases in flow stimulated the burrowing response of both adults and juveniles on gravel and sandy gravel.Ephemera danica was unable to burrow in sand alone at the velocities used in the experiment. The presence of particles greater than 2 mm in diameter in the substrate appeared to be essential for successful burrowing under the test conditions. An increase in flow from 3 to 8 cm s^–1 resulted in an increase in burrowing. The time taken for each specimen to burrow varied widely within replicate tests but most specimens had penetrated the substrate within 150 seconds of introduction. The implications of these observations in influencing the microdistribution of these species are discussed.     

Spatial and Temporal Pattern of Caddisfly Distribution at a Mesohabitat Scale in two Patagonian Mountain Streams Subjected to Pastoral Use

Substrate, flow type, nutrients, aquatic vegetation, organic matter, and caddisfly community structure were studied at two low order streams (Glyn and Nant y Fall) subjected to pastoral use in the Patagonian mountains. At both sites, we examined the effect of habitat type (boulder‐pebble with and without filamentous algae, cobble‐pebble, gravel‐sand, leaf‐pack, the submerged macrophytes Myriophyllum quitense and Isoetes savatieri) and season (high and low water period) on caddisfly assemblages. Benthic particulate organic matter (BPOM) ranged between 4.6 and 472 g m^–2, all allochtonous detrital fractions were significantly higher at leaf‐packs at Glyn, whereas M. quitense habitats supported more BPOM and macrophytes biomass at Nant y Fall. As expected, boulder‐pebble sustained higher Trichoptera richness than M. quitense and gravel‐sand, moreover all habitats showed higher density than M. quitense at Nant y Fall. According to our results at least nine caddisfly species exhibited some habitat preference with boulder‐pebble and cobble‐pebble the most selected habitat. These particular habitats sustained more than 68% of the total caddisfly species. Multidimensional scaling ordination highlighted differences in composition per habitat for both sites showing a clear distinction among depositional and erosional habitats. Substrate, flow type, detritus biomass were important predictors defining assemblages. Based upon our findings, those anthropogenic actions or stressors that change hydraulic as well substrate attributes in mountain streams such as stock trampling, dredging, clearing of riparian areas, will reduce caddisfly richness. These results are relevant for outline management and conservation biomonitoring and schemes in headwater Patagonian streams as well as other similar environments worldwide (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Substrate preference in age-0 red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus

We tested age-0 red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, for sand or shell substrate preference in a circular tank (1.5 m diameter × 0.6 m deep). The test tank was divided into two equal areas of whole oyster shell or sand substrates. All trials were video taped for 20 to 25 min. Tapes were viewed on a monitor and locations of all fish recorded and timed with respect to substrate. Mean ± SE time on shell was 11.6 ± 0.5 sec (4 fish trial^–1) and 13.8 ± 1.1 sec (1 fish trial^–1). Mean ± SE time on sand was 9.7 ± 0.4 sec (4 fish trial^–1) and 8.9 ± 0.5 sec (1 fish trial^–1). Fish spent significantly more time on shell compared to sand substrate in four-fish trials (paired t-test, p < 0.10) and also in single-fish trials (paired t-test, p < 0.05). Shell substrate may offer increased food and shelter for age-0 red snapper compared to sand substrate. However, a preference for shell substrate in the natural habitat may occur only during the nursery period, because as fish grow (> 100 mm TL) in the late fall they probably outgrow the shell habitat.     

Variability in the numbers of post-settlement King George whiting (Sillaginidae: Sillaginodes punctata, Cuvier) in relation to predation, habitat complexity and artificial cage structure

The importance of predation by fish in altering abundances of juvenile King George whiting (Sillaginodes punctata) was examined at multiple locations in Port Phillip Bay, Australia, by manipulating the numbers of piscivorous fish in unvegetated sand and seagrass habitats using cages. Additional information regarding the local abundances of, and habitat use by, the most common piscivorous fish, Western Australian salmon (Arripidae: Arripis truttacea, Cuvier), was gathered using netting surveys and underwater video. Regardless of habitat, abundances of S. punctata were similar in partial cages and uncaged areas. In unvegetated sand, S. punctata were more abundant inside cages than partial cages or uncaged areas. In seagrass, there was no difference in the numbers of S. punctata between caging treatments. Patterns in abundances of S. punctata between cage treatments in each habitat were consistent between sites, but the relative difference in the abundances of S. punctata between habitats was site specific. Abundances of A. truttacea varied significantly between sites, and they consumed a variety of epibenthic fishes including atherinids, clupeids, gobiids, syngnathids and pleuronectids. At one site in Port Phillip Bay (Blairgowrie), A. truttacea occurred more commonly in patches of unvegetated sand than seagrass. Over unvegetated sand, abundances of A. truttacea varied little between partial cages and uncaged areas. The numbers of S. punctata varied between caging treatments and habitats in a manner that was consistent with a model whereby seagrass interferes with foraging by predatory fish and provides juvenile fish with a refuge from predation. The almost total absence of A. truttacea in seagrass habitats and the lack of S. punctata in their diets implies, however, that patterns in S. punctata in seagrass/unvegetated sand mosaics are driven by processes other than direct predation.     

Individuality matters for substrate-size preference in the Nile tilapia juveniles

Preference tests have usually been used to identify nonhuman animal preferences for welfare purposes (environmental enrichment), but they are mostly at the group level—that is, group preferences for resources or environmental conditions. However, a more robust method was developed to analyze animal preference, and this method detected clear individual variation in preferences of Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) selecting different background colors. Here, a clear individual variability of preference was found for another type of enrichment—the sizes of substrate. Despite this variability, a consistent response was detected at the group level: Small gravel was less frequently preferred than avoided, and the more decided fish (those who preferred only one substrate size) never preferred gravel over sand-size substrate. That is, Nile tilapia avoided gravel and preferred smaller substrate, and this finding was possibly associated with their mouth gap. Considering that small gravel is a substrate often used for fish rearing, these findings highlight fish keepers’ incorrect perception of fish needs, based mostly on arbitrary criteria instead of actual fish preferences and without considering individual needs.