From sneaker to bourgeois male : Long-term observations on recognized tompot blenny Parablennius gattorugine individuals reveal new information on their biology

Naylor, P. and Naylor, T. and Hammond, L. and Jacoby, D. M. P. (2023) From sneaker to bourgeois male : Long-term observations on recognized tompot blenny Parablennius gattorugine individuals reveal new information on their biology. Journal of Fish Biology, 102 (2). pp. 542-545. ISSN 0022-1112

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Abstract

The behaviour of the tompot blenny Parablennius gattorugine was studied by underwater observation and photography on the south-west coast of the U.K. over an 11 year period, with more than 50 individuals identified at two locations by their distinctive skin markings. Observations showed males engaging in rapid swimming behaviour when approached by a female and younger males using alternative 'sneaker' tactics before becoming 'bourgeois' territory-holders. The non-invasive recognition technique also facilitated detailed observations on territory retention (up to 7 years) and agonistic behaviours among both males and females.