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. (2022) 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. ISSN 0022-1112

Text (Tompot blenny Brief Comm Naylor Naylor Hammond Jacoby)
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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 UK over an 11 year period, with >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 noninvasive recognition technique also facilitated detailed observations on territory retention (up to 7 years) and agonistic behaviours among both males and females.