Synopsis
The behavior and ecology of the firemouth cichlid were investigated in southern Mexico. Observations were conducted primarily at Laguna Bacalar, Quintana Roo. The fish bred throughout the year, nesting in small rocky crevices. Territories were established either by wandering pairs or by lone males which subsequently attracted mates. Stationary territories were maintained for two to three weeks by both pair members until the young were free-swimming, after which the parents defended the young as they foraged. Brood care lasted approximately three months. The distances at which fish were attacked and the behavior performed varied with the age of the defended young and the sex of the parent, as well as the species and size of the intruder. The sexes differed in their reproductive and agonistic activities. Predation on young was rapid if the parents were diverted from their defense. Serious injuries to adults were not observed to result from intraspecific contests. Such interactions were very common, but were ritualized with physical contact between animals rare. Color patterning varied with breeding interval, sex and behavior.
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Neil, S.J. Field studies of the behavioral ecology and agonistic behavior of Cichlasoma meeki (Pisces: Cichlidae). Environ Biol Fish 10, 59–68 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00001662
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00001662