Boat noise alters individual behaviors but not communication between partners in a fish-shrimp mutualism.

ABSTRACT: Persistent noise pollution produced by boat traffic is reshaping marine soundscapes globally. Despite growing ecological concern, most studies to date have focused on individual-level effects under laboratory conditions, leaving major gaps in our understanding of how boat noise shapes species interactions in the wild. Using field-based behavioral assays, we investigate how boat noise from different engine types (4-stroke and 2-stroke) affects the mutualistic partnership between Steinitz's goby (Amblyeleotris steinitzi) and snapping shrimp (Alpheus spp.). Across 123 partnerships, we recorded behavioral responses before, during, and after noise exposure. Gobies increased burrow use during 4-stroke boat noise exposure, while shrimp responded stronger to 2-stroke noise-reflecting

SUBMITTER: Manera JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12527286 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep-Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature