Sex differences in a shoaling-boldness behavioral syndrome, but no link with aggression

TY - JOUR

T1 - Sex differences in a shoaling-boldness behavioral syndrome, but no link with aggression

AU - Way, Gregory P.

AU - Kiesel, Alexis L.

AU - Ruhl, Nathan

AU - Snekser, Jennifer L.

AU - McRobert, Scott P.

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2015 Elsevier B.V.

PY - 2015/4/1

Y1 - 2015/4/1

N2 - A behavioral syndrome is observed in a population when specific behaviors overlap at the individual level in different contexts. Here, we explore boldness and aggression personality spectra, the repeatability of shoaling, and possible associated correlations between the behaviors in a population of lab-reared zebrafish (Danio rerio). Our findings describe a sex-specific boldness-shoaling behavioral syndrome, as a link between boldness and shoaling behaviors is detected. The results indicate that bold males are likely to have a stronger shoaling propensity than shy males for unfamiliar conspecifics. Conversely, bold females are more likely to shoal than shy females, but only when presented with heterospecific individuals. Additionally, aggression does not correlate with boldness or shoaling propensity for either sex. A positive relationship between boldness and shoaling that differs by sex is contrary to most of the present literature, but could help to explain population dynamics and may also have evolutionary implications.

AB - A behavioral syndrome is observed in a population when specific behaviors overlap at the individual level in different contexts. Here, we explore boldness and aggression personality spectra, the repeatability of shoaling, and possible associated correlations between the behaviors in a population of lab-reared zebrafish (Danio rerio). Our findings describe a sex-specific boldness-shoaling behavioral syndrome, as a link between boldness and shoaling behaviors is detected. The results indicate that bold males are likely to have a stronger shoaling propensity than shy males for unfamiliar conspecifics. Conversely, bold females are more likely to shoal than shy females, but only when presented with heterospecific individuals. Additionally, aggression does not correlate with boldness or shoaling propensity for either sex. A positive relationship between boldness and shoaling that differs by sex is contrary to most of the present literature, but could help to explain population dynamics and may also have evolutionary implications.

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/84921341468

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/84921341468#tab=citedBy

U2 - 10.1016/j.beproc.2014.12.014

DO - 10.1016/j.beproc.2014.12.014

M3 - Article

C2 - 25562194

SN - 0376-6357

VL - 113

SP - 7

EP - 12

JO - Behavioural Processes

JF - Behavioural Processes

ER -