Marine Research & Higher Education Center
ONGOING PROJECTS
PROJECT 1:
Social Grouping in a Mediterranean fish
The aim of the study is to investigate the role of habitat and conspecific presence on the grouping decisions of a Mediterranean cardinalfish, Apogon imberbis. This is a common speices in the Mediterranean and is well known for inhabiting caves and crevices during the day, and undertaking foraging migrations at night. Because the underwater caves systems are extensive in the Mediterranean, this species forms a significant contribution to coastal species diversity in the region, yet little is known about their grouping behaviour. They have been reported to occur as solitary individuals in cracks and crevices up to large schools in caves. Therefore, our aim is to quantify group structure, habitat effects and assess the benefits of group living in both the laboratory and field.
PROJECT 2:
Stripe patterns, social behaviour & cohesion in damselfish
The evolutionary forces behind the development of striping in animals have long puzzled biologists, including the pioneering figures of evolutionary theory, Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. The origins and functions of stripe patterns have been widely studied and debated, yet many questions remain unanswered. This project aims to explore whether striping influences social behavior and group cohesion in social coral reef fish. More specifically, this study will test the role that stripes play in social interactions, cooperation and conflict, group size and group leadership in marine social fishes.