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
Tompot_blenny_Brief_Comm_Naylor_Naylor_Hammond_Jacoby.pdf - Accepted Version
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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.