Spatial Behavior in the Fish Species, Haemulon Plumieri Laboratory and Field Investigations

Date of Award

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

Second Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Harley, Heidi

Keywords

Spatial Memory, Fish, Foraging

Area of Concentration

Biological Psychology

Abstract

There is considerable evidence that fish can rely on spatial information and visual landmarks to direct behavior. Previous laboratory and field investigations suggest the potential for spatial learning and memory in many fish species. Coral reef fishes, though not typically tested in laboratory analyses of spatial memory, present promising models for such capabilities based on the spatial complexity of their environment and importance of location to their natural behaviors. This study investigated spatial learning and memory in the coral reef fish, Heamulon plumieri. Naturalistic observations were conducted and behaviors were analyzed in terms of the potential need for spatial abilities. Field data suggest that spatial information and visual landmarks play an important role in guiding behavior in this species. Spatial behavior was further investigated in a laboratory study testing the performance of Haemulon plumieri in an eightarm radial maze. Fish in the maze relied on behavioral algorithms, preferentially selecting adjacent arms; movements to adjacent an-ns accounted for 69% of total choices. Fish were sensitive to visual landmarks and feeding increased in the presence of these cues; eight out of nine fish reliably fed in the maze when landmarks were present, while four out of eight fish fed reliably when no landmarks were present. It is likely that Haemulon plumieri use behavioral algorithms and landmark navigation conjointly to guide navigation and foraging behavior in the natural environment.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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