Journal article
Behaviour and Sexual Dimorphism of the Blue Mudskipper, Scartelaos Histophorus (Pisces: Gobiidae)
Royal Society of Queensland. Proceedings, Vol.112, pp.53-62
2005
Abstract
There is a lack of knowledge of basic ecological and behavioural aspects of these amphibious gobies (Townsend & Tibbetts, 1995). This study sets out to comprehensively document and analyse the behaviours of Scartelaos histophorus while exposed at low tide and to investigate the possible sexual differentiation in both the behaviour and anatomy of this species. Study of the behaviours of S. histophorus identified feeding, crawling and resting as the most common behaviours. S. histophorus are territorial; resident animals were observed to defend their territory from both conspecifics and fiddler crabs. Physical factors such as tide, weather and temperature influence behaviours exhibited by S. histophorus. Rolling increased significantly with increased temperature, clear weather and during midday. Resting increased significantly during late afternoon relative to morning and midday. Proportion of time spent skipping was affected by tide, temperature and time of day. Sexual dimorphism and sex-specific behaviours were observed in S. histophorus. Males have white eyes and are larger; while females have black eye borders, are smaller and possess white lateral patches on the body. Significant differences were found between the feeding, crawling, social and agonistic behaviours of males and females. One behaviour - tail stands was performed only by males.
Details
- Title
- Behaviour and Sexual Dimorphism of the Blue Mudskipper, Scartelaos Histophorus (Pisces: Gobiidae)
- Authors
- Kathy Townsend (Author) - University of QueenslandIan R Tibbetts (Author) - University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Royal Society of Queensland. Proceedings, Vol.112, pp.53-62
- Publisher
- Royal Society of Queensland
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99548308302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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