Observations on the biology of the redlip Blenny, Ophioblennius atlanticus (Pisces: Blenniidae) on the Colombian Coast of the Caribbean
During a 3 week study, a total of 55 individuals of the redlip blenny (Ophioblennius atlanticus) were observed for at least two 15-minute periods, and several for ten of such periods. The sizes of their territories were estimated, the color pattern of each specimen an intra and interspecific interactions were recorded. The mean territory size of the redlip blenny in the study area appeared to be greater than that of these blennies studied in Curacao and Barbados by NURSALL (1977), the difference reflecting perhaps different methods of identifying the territories or a lower density of O. atlanticus in the Santa Marta área. Territories did not appear to be as consistently defended at the study area as at Barbados/Curacao and our impression ¡s that individuals holding large territories are less likely to defend their borders. It seems possible that light colored individuals are protected by their coloration from attack by dark colored territory owners. In territorial defense the redlip blennies grabbed each other tighthy by the mouth and struggled in this position repeatedly for about 15 seconds. Interspecific antagonism was common in the present study, the redlip blennics defended their territory frequently against Eupomacentrus dorsopunicans or E. partitus.
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Journal Contribution biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Santa Marta (Colombia), INVEMAR
1982
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| Subjects: | Fisheries, Biology, |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1834/3965 |
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