Density and agonistic behaviour in young-of-the-year largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Abstract

Laboratory studies were carried out to investigate the influence of density on agonistic behaviour and dominance relations in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). We report here that high densities result in fewer agonistic interactions and fewer as well as less stable dominance relations. Increased numbers of potential interactions may render the continued maintenance of dominance inefficients.