The Open Marine Biology Journal
2010, 4 : 122-124Published online 2010 December 31. DOI: 10.2174/1874450801004010122
Publisher ID: TOMBJ-4-122
Interactive Use of Barbels by Spotted Goatfish Pseudupeneus maculatus (Bloch, 1793) on the Reef of Bonaire, Lesser Antilles
Biology Department, University of Nebraska-Kearney, 905 W 25th Street, Kearney, Nebraska 68849-1140, USA.
ABSTRACT
New behavior by spotted goatfish Pseudupeneus maculatus (Bloch, 1793) was observed. Spotted goatfish interacted by wriggling, touching, and twisting each other's barbels. Detailed observations suggest agonistic encounters of two males as interpretation of this behavior. This observed use of barbels by goatfish differs from their common uses in feeding, and from their previously noted use in courtship. This new behavior also suggests an interpretation for the latter.