Dynamic camouflage by Nassau groupers Epinephelus striatus on a Caribbean coral reef
Abstract
This field study describes the camouflage pattern repertoire, associated behaviours and speed of pattern change of Nassau groupers Epinephelus striatus at Little Cayman Island, British West Indies. Three basic camouflaged body patterns were observed under natural conditions and characterized quantitatively. The mean speed of pattern change across the entire body was 4·44 s (range = 0·97–9·87 s); the fastest pattern change as well as contrast change within a fixed pattern occurred within 1 s. Aside from apparent defensive camouflage, E. striatus used camouflage offensively to approach crustacean or fish prey, and three successful predation events were recorded. Although animal camouflage is a widespread tactic, dynamic camouflage is relatively uncommon and has been studied rarely in marine teleosts under natural conditions. The rapid changes observed in E. striatus suggest direct neural control of some skin colouration elements, and comparative studies of functional morphology and behaviour of colour change in other coral‐reef teleosts are likely to reveal new mechanisms and adaptations of dynamic colouration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Sep 26, 2014
- Source ID
- 10.1111/jfb.12519
Entities
People
- A. C. Watson
- L. A. Siemann
- R. T. Hanlon
Organizations
- Brown University
- Marine Biological Laboratory
- Office of Naval Research
- University of Rhode Island