FEEDING AND AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR OF ATLANTIC CROAKER, BLACK DRUM, AND STRIPED MULLET IN MONOCULTURE AND POLYCULTURE

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Abstract
Behavior of Atlantic croaker (Micropogon undulatus), black drum (Pogonias cromis), and striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) was observed in monoculture and polyculture situations. Dominance hierarchies, feeding and aggressive behavior were established for the three species in each culture situation. All fish were acclimated to tanks and artificial food, and were fed a limited amount of food. Four individuals of each species were observed over 4 consecutive days in monoculture. Four striped mullet each were then placed with the Atlantic croaker and black drum.Competition for food and space resulted in higher feeding rates in all three species. Aggression also increased in Atlantic croaker and black drum. Atlantic croaker became territorial in polyculture. In general, growth and condition of a fish was directly correlated with its position in the dominance hierarchy.

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