Quantitative movement analysis of social behavior in mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus

Group living among fishes has notable biological significance for individual well being and survival. However, group swimming dynamics have been historically difficult to quantify due to the complexity of the different movement patterns. This study describes and evaluates software developed for the analysis of schooling, shoaling, and solitary behaviors in the mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus. Analysis of simulated data sets indicated accuracy of the software to within 0.06% of known values (i.e., no functional difference in observed versus expected; P = 0.58–0.93 for all parameters tested). Results from an acclimation experiment with groups of mummichog included decreased schooling, shoaling, individual velocity, and number of interactions after 24 h (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, there was an increase in shoaling nearest-neighbor angle (NNA) and distance (NND) over time (P ≤ 0.05). No changes in group behaviors were observed during different periods within 1 day (09:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00 h) after 72 h in the arenas (P > 0.05). These results describe decreased social interactions and polarization (degree of unity in movement) over time. This software is applicable to the study of behavioral ecology of fish to discern changes in group dynamic behaviors.

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