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A new possible case of mimicry between two Brazilian endemic reef fish

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 April 2011

Thiago C. Mendes ,
Renata C.B. Mazzei ,
Gabriel O. Correal  and
Carlos Eduardo L. Ferreira
Thiago C. Mendes*
Affiliation:
Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Universidade Federal Fluminense, 24001-970, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
Renata C.B. Mazzei
Affiliation:
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
Gabriel O. Correal
Affiliation:
Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Universidade Federal Fluminense, 24001-970, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
Carlos Eduardo L. Ferreira
Affiliation:
Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Universidade Federal Fluminense, 24001-970, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: T.C. Mendes, Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Universidade Federal Fluminense, 24001-970, Niterói, RJ, Brazil email: [email protected]
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Abstract

It is proposed herein that the juvenile parrotfish Scarus zelindae is a mimic of the barber goby Elacatinus figaro. Juvenile S. zelindae not only resemble E. figaro but also present changes in behaviour that helps establish the existence of a mimic–model system. When approached by divers juvenile S. zelindae remained stationary at the bottom adopting a site-attached behaviour similar to E. figaro. Because of S. zelindae's colour similarity and behaviour changes, we propose that juvenile S. zelindae may be acting as a mimic to the model E. figaro gaining advantage due to the low rate of predation upon cleaner fish.

Keywords

mimic–model systemBatesian mimicrycleaningScarinaeGobiidaeScarus zelindaeElacatinus figaroArraial do Cabo
Type
Research Article
Information
Marine Biodiversity Records , Volume 4 , December 2011 , e29
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2011

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