Variability in Parental Behavior of Lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus (Cyclopteridae) under Changing Environmental Conditions

Abstract

The most distinct features of reproductive biology of lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus are defense and care for the clutch of fertilized eggs. In order to reveal the processes of male lumpfish defense of offspring, the quantitative assessment of temporal distribution of its behavior events under changing environmental conditions has been performed. Male behavior four types such as care for an egg clutch, defense behavior, locomotion, and rest are identified. Defense behavior is most variable, depending on the characteristics of an aggressor. It has been shown that the external factors affect the time taken for care rather than any change in certain actions. Under the favorable conditions, the male actions to care for an egg clutch represent repeating cycles, when the overall time spent on them may reach 99% of all time. Under the unfavorable conditions (strong currents and potential predators), the time of cycles tends to decrease to 55%. The environmental factor effects on the lumpfish behavior are described in terms of an algorithm of behavior, which can be used in modeling the energy intakes of a male lumpfish in the period of caring for offspring.