TY - JOUR
T1 - Preliminary evidence on group-size dependent feeding success in the damselfish Dascyllus marginatus
AU - Kent, Rafi
AU - Holzman, Roi
AU - Genin, Amatzia
PY - 2006/10/5
Y1 - 2006/10/5
N2 - The coral-reef damselfish Dascyllus marginatus forms social groups of up to 25 individuals per coral. The fish forage for drifting zooplankton while remaining close to their home coral, used as a shelter from predators. Therefore, enhanced crowding and, in turn, stronger competition for food is expected in larger groups. The number of fish per coral at our study site (Eilat, Red Sea) was significantly lower than that expected under random distribution, indicating the fish's preference to form small groups (≤3 ind.). The stomachs of fish in such groups contained, on average, twice as much food as those living in large groups (≥10 ind.). These findings indicate that the cost of intragroup competition is substantial, possibly affecting group size in this species.
AB - The coral-reef damselfish Dascyllus marginatus forms social groups of up to 25 individuals per coral. The fish forage for drifting zooplankton while remaining close to their home coral, used as a shelter from predators. Therefore, enhanced crowding and, in turn, stronger competition for food is expected in larger groups. The number of fish per coral at our study site (Eilat, Red Sea) was significantly lower than that expected under random distribution, indicating the fish's preference to form small groups (≤3 ind.). The stomachs of fish in such groups contained, on average, twice as much food as those living in large groups (≥10 ind.). These findings indicate that the cost of intragroup competition is substantial, possibly affecting group size in this species.
KW - Coral reef
KW - Intraspecific competition
KW - Stomach content
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33750612083&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3354/meps323299
DO - 10.3354/meps323299
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AN - SCOPUS:33750612083
SN - 0171-8630
VL - 323
SP - 299
EP - 303
JO - Marine Ecology Progress Series
JF - Marine Ecology Progress Series
ER -