In additional behavioral trials, high condition recruits evaded a simulated predator threat at faster speeds than the low condition recruits.
Recruits fed for 1 wk at higher levels grew faster, had greater standardized weight (Fulton’s condition factor), and swam faster than food-deprived recruits. To further investigate condition-associated behaviors, a feeding treatment established fish of 2 different condition levels for comparison. Fish with the highest critical swimming speeds were those that grew faster as larvae, had shorter pelagic larval durations, and were smaller at settlement, although these individuals represented only 10% of the total sample. Quantification of swimming capabilities was coupled with otolith analysis to identify early life history traits associated with swimming performance. To identify physiological and behavioral characteristics associated with different condition levels, bluehead wrasse Thalassoma bifasciatum recruits were collected immediately after settlement from reefs in the upper Florida Keys, USA, and transported to the laboratory for experimental analysis. ABSTRACT: For newly settled coral reef fishes, survival advantages may be associated with specific early life history traits or condition levels that lead to differences in behavior.
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