It is a kind of neozyre fish. You can change from female to male during adulthood. And experience in that process a sudden change in social hierarchy. The fish that changes sex and behavior is a total surprise. It is the finding of a study by the University of Otago. They examined the neozygous mottled fish, or Paketi. It was discovered that the sex change process begins almost immediately when a dominant mottled fish is removed from the group.
The full sex change process last weeks. But a second range fish only takes a few minutes to take advantage of the void of power and impose dominant behaviors. This is explained by researchers in a release.
Altering behaviors
Sometimes, the dominant fish establishes physical contact with the subordinates. Even biting them, usually around the tail and fins. These aggressive behaviors are usually accompanied by the rapid flight of the subordinate. In many aquariums, the fish in second place increased their aggressiveness minutes after removing the dominant fish.
The mottled fish form linear dominance hierarchies based on size. The biggest individuals dominate the little ones. They sought to determine what fish in the hierarchy were more likely to change sex when the opportunity was presented. The larger dominant fish are more likely to change sex. And what happens when social hierarchies are altered? Less dominant fish change their behavior to take advantage of new opportunities.
The study also deepened the neuronal mechanisms that of these social interactions. Dr. Kaj Kamstra, who directed the neurobiological aspects of the investigation. He states that findings provide valuable information. They explain the complex interaction between social behavior and neuronal processes in these fish.
Human reflexes
They also highlight the importance of social context in the configuration of individual behavior. They shed light on the evolution of social behavior and the flexibility of brain mechanisms to adapt to changing social environments. Research has broader implications to understand social dynamics in other species. And even in humans.
The findings can be applied to other species of fish that change sex. Social dominance seems to be the most common trigger for sex change. They could be beneficial for aquaculture and open water fishing. Many fisheries with commercial value depend on fish that change sex, for example, New Zealand blue cod.
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