Agonistic Behavior in Several Species of Fish

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Abstract
Seven species of fish were studied in an attempt to determine interspecies differences in the amount and type of agonistic behavior shown. Fish in each species were paired and the frequency of attacks shown during a 5-min. observation session was recorded. An observation session was held for 16 pairs of fish of the same species on 5 consecutive days. It was found that bluegill showed the highest frequency of attacks, then green sunfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, black crappie, and yellow perch in that order. No attacks were recorded for walleyes during any of the observation sessions. Qualitative differences shown in agonistic behavior among the various species are also discussed.