The ethology of Labroides dimidiatus (cuv. & val.) (Labridae, Pisces) on Aldabra

Abstract

A small group of Labroides dimidiatus were studied over a period of 4 months in the shallow reef environment of Aldabra. It was found necessary to redefine the concept of a cleaning station. Different sizes of Labroides occupied different types of area and it was found the smallest individuals do not have fixed ranges, but move about beneath available crevices. Larger individuals occupied more open situations and the adults usually lived in pairs. The areas occupied appeared to reflect the fishes' ability to maintain position against strong water movements and tidal currents. Labroides dimidiatus shows territorial, intraspecific aggression and model presentation experiments indicate that body pigmentation acts as the releaser for this aggression. This aggression serves as a dispersal mechanism for young fish. Interspecific aggression occurred against fish with similar body markings to Labroides or which constituted a threat. The cleaning behaviour was studied and it was found that different species of host fish are cleaned in a highly specific manner, and certain hosts are preferred to others. There is evidence that this may be learned as a result of early experience with the host fish. Measurements are made of the cleaning intensity in the area. Some host fish were shown to be attracted to the cleaning range and may adopt invitation postures in the absence of the cleaner. The results are discussed in relation to the recent literature on Labroides dimidiatus and their importance to reef fish populations.