Behavioral and ecological determinants of home range size in juvenile pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus)

Kristine Coleman, David Sloan Wilson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Numerous species of freshwater fish are known to be site specific, yet the ecological and behavioral factors influencing home range size have rarely been examined. In this study we examine aggression, predator avoidance and feeding rate in juvenile pumpkinseed sunfish as a function of location within their home range. We also compare the behavior of individuals within their home range with individuals that were displaced from their home range by being transplanted from one pond to another. Juvenile pumpkinseeds had a higher feeding rate in the center of their home range than on the periphery. Transplanted juveniles did not adopt a restricted home range over a 3-wk period and had a lower feeding rate than residents in the same pond. Aggression and predator avoidance do not appear to be important determinants of home range size in our study.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)900-914
Number of pages15
JournalEthology
Volume102
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1996
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Animal Science and Zoology

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