Behavior, color change and time for sexual inversion in the protogynous grouper (Epinephelus adscensionis).

ABSTRACT: Hermaphroditism, associated with territoriality and dominance behavior, is common in the marine environment. While male sex-specific coloration patterns have been documented in groupers, particularly during the spawning season, few data regarding social structure and the context for these color displays are available. In the present study, we define the social structure and male typical behavior of rock hind (Epinephelus adscensionis) in the wild. In addition, we detail the captive conditions and time period necessary to induce the onset of the sex-specific coloration and sexual change. At six oil production platform locations in the Gulf of Mexico, rock hind social group size and typical male rock hind social behavior were documented. We observed a rapid temporary color display in rock hi

SUBMITTER: Kline RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3102057 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature