The association of the goatfish mulloidichthys martinicus with the grunt haemulon chrysargyreum: an example of protective mimicry

Authors

  • João Paulo Krajewski Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Museu de História Natural, Departamento de Zoologia
  • Roberta Martini Bonaldo Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Museu de História Natural, Departamento de Zoologia
  • Cristina Sazima Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Museu de História Natural, Departamento de Zoologia
  • Ivan Sazima Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Museu de História Natural, Departamento de Zoologia

Keywords:

Protective mimicry, social mimicry, mixed schooling, Mulloidichthys martinicus, Haemulon chrysargyreum

Abstract

A presumed example of protective mimicry between the yellow goatfish, Mulloidichthys martinicus (Mullidae) and the smallmouth grunt, Haemulon chrysargyreum (Haemulidae) is described from Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, NE Brazil. The goatfish and the grunt share a similar overall shape and colour pattern. We found that these two species regularly form mixed schools around reefs. Additionally, when chased small groups of yellow goatfish join schools of smallmouth grunts and behave like them. The colour and shape resemblances between the two species enable their mixed schooling, and enhance the protection against visually oriented predators for both of them. Thus, we suggest that the protective association herein reported for the goatfish and the grunt may be considered as a “social mimicry”, since neither species is venomous, poisonous or strongly armed. Furthermore, we suggest that additional instances of social mimicry may involve the yellow goatfish and other striped Haemulon species.

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Published

2004-01-01

How to Cite

Krajewski, J. P., Bonaldo, R. M., Sazima, C., & Sazima, I. (2004). The association of the goatfish mulloidichthys martinicus with the grunt haemulon chrysargyreum: an example of protective mimicry. Biota Neotropica, 4(2). Retrieved from //www.biotaneotropica.org.br/BN/article/view/1582

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Section

Short Communications

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