I know my neighbour: individual recognition in Octopus vulgaris.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Little is known about individual recognition (IR) in octopuses, although they have been abundantly studied for their sophisticated behaviour and learning capacities. Indeed, the ability of octopuses to recognise conspecifics is suggested by a number of clues emerging from both laboratory studies (where they appear to form and maintain dominance hierarchies) and field observations (octopuses of neighbouring dens display little agonism between each other). To fill this gap in knowledge, we investigated the behaviour of 24 size-matched pairs of Octopus vulgaris in laboratory conditions.

Methodology/principal findings

The experimental design was composed of 3 phases: Phase 1 (acclimatization): 12 "sight-allowed" (and 12 "isolated") pairs were maintained for 3 days in

SUBMITTER: Tricarico E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3076440 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature