Body color pattern and aggressiveness related to behavioral context and light intensity in an Amazonian cichlid, Laetacara fulvipinnis Staeck & Schindler, 2007

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe agonistic interaction and color patterns relative to social status and to evaluate the effects of light on aggressiveness in Laetacara fulvipinnis. Eight agonistic events were observed: frontal display, mouth fight, nipping, chase, parallel display, threat, undulation, and flight. Four body color patterns were related to the social context. Two light levels were also tested: groups of juveniles were maintained for 15 days under low (228 ± 38.60 lx) or high (1435.92 ± 481.40 lx) light. Color pattern a was mainly observed during escalating agonistic interactions. Other patterns were exhibited during flight, rest, and attack. High light decreased the latency to fighting; increased the frequency of threats, total attacks, and flight; and destabilized the social hierarchy. These findings indicate that light intensity increases aggressiveness, interferes with the stability of hierarchies, and may result in a stressful situation with negative effects on animal welfare. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.