Fish behavioral types and their ecological consequences

Abstract

Fish have proven to be model organisms for the study of animal personalities, and a rich literature documents consistent interindividual behavioral differences in a variety of species. However, relatively few studies have examined the ecological consequences of such consistent interindividual differences in behaviors in fish or other organisms, especially under field conditions. In this review and perspective, we discuss the factors that may lead to the formation and maintenance of behavioral types in fish populations. We then examine what is known about the effects of personality variation on individual growth and survival, breeding behaviors and reproductive success, habitat use, diet, and ontogenetic niche shifts, migration and dispersal, as well as potential consequences for species interactions and ecosystem functioning. We focus as much as possible on studies conducted under natural or seminatural conditions, as such field studies are most relevant to elucidating the ecological consequences of behavioral variation. Finally, we discuss the potential importance of consistent individual differences in behaviors to fisheries management and conservation, specifically examining consequences for recreational and commercial fishing, hatchery rearing, and stock enhancement.