Variable Foraging and Cleaning Behavior by Juvenile Leatherjackets, Oligoplites saurus (Carangidae)

Abstract

The behavior of the leatherjack, Oligoplites saurus, was studied in the field. Four behavioral patterns were identified: (1) cleaning behavior on the redfin needlefish, Strongylura notata, (2) intraspecific schooling, (3) interspecific schooling with the rough and tidewater silversides, Membras martinica and Menidia peninsulae, pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides, and menhaden, Brevoortia sp., (4) swimming along in a “leafmimic” position or next to floating algae or debris. Fishes exhibiting any of these behaviors fed primarily on plankton. Schooling leatherjackets also fed on scales of Strongylurus notata, Brevoortia sp., Menidia peninsulae and Lagodon rhomboides. These observations are supported by stomach content analyses. It is suggested that scale-feeding may be a preadaptation for cleaning behavior among leatherjackets.