Chemical communication in cichlids: A mini-review. | - CCMAR -

Journal Article

TítuloChemical communication in cichlids: A mini-review.
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsKeller-Costa, T, Canario, AVM, Hubbard, PC
Year of Publication2015
JournalGen Comp Endocrinol
Volume221
Date Published2015 Sep 15
Pagination64-74
ISSN1095-6840
Palavras-chaveAnimal Communication, Animals, Cichlids, Cues, Pheromones, Predatory Behavior, Reproduction, Social Dominance
Abstract

The family Cichlidae is well-known for pair-formation, parental care, territoriality, elaborate courtship and social organization. Do cichlids use chemical communication to mediate any of these behaviours? Early studies suggest that parent cichlids can discriminate between conspecific and heterospecific wrigglers (but not eggs) using olfactory cues. Some species are able to discriminate between their own brood and other conspecific broods based on olfaction. The young recognise conspecific adults (although not necessarily their parents) through the odorants they release. In both scenarios, protection of the young from predation is the likely selective force. Some male cichlids use urinary pheromones during courtship and spawning to attract females and induce ovulation. Females--in their turn--may base their mate-choice in part on assessment of those self-same pheromones. The same pheromonal system may be involved in establishing and maintaining the social hierarchies in lek-breeding cichlids. Individual recognition is also mediated by chemical communication. Finally, there is ample behavioural evidence that cichlids--like ostariophysan fish--release alarm cues that alert conspecifics to predation danger. Although the effects of these cues may be similar (e.g., increased shelter use, tighter schooling), they are different substances which remain to be identified. Cichlids, then, use chemical communication associated with many different behaviours. However, given the diversity of cichlids, little is known about the mechanisms of chemical communication or the chemical identity of the cues involved. The aim of this mini-review is to persuade those working with cichlids to consider the involvement of chemical communication, and those working in chemical communication to consider using cichlids.

DOI10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.01.001
Sapientia

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25622908?dopt=Abstract

Alternate JournalGen. Comp. Endocrinol.
PubMed ID25622908
CCMAR Authors