Shoaling and Exploration Behaviors as Functions of Female Reproductive

State in Western MosquitofishJames Stewart*, Claire Hemingway, Dr. Raelynn Deaton

HaynesSt. Edward’s University, University of Texas at Austin

Gambusia geiseri

Behaviors Studied

• Boldness

• Sociability

• Shoaling

Sociability

Dissections

• Length Measured

• Embryos/Ovaries removed

• Dried and weighed

r2=0.064, df=37, p=0.121

r2=.09 df= 37 p=.051

Results

Tota

l S

hoalin

g T

ime (

s)

Results

r2=.076, df=37, p=.088

0 10 20 30 40 50

Sh

oa

ling

Tim

e w

itho

ut P

red

ato

r (s)

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Percent Gonosomatic Index (GSI)

0 10 20 30 40 50

Sh

oa

ling

Tim

e w

ith P

red

ato

r (s)

0

100

200

300

400

500

r2=0.11, N=39, p=0.03

r2=0.01, N=39, p>0.05

r2=0.08, df=37, p=0.09

r2=0.05, df=37, p=0.17Resultsr2=.05,df=37, p=.17

Results

Percent Gonosomatic Index (GSI)

0 10 20 30 40 50

Me

an

Pre

da

tor In

sp

ec

tion

s

0

2

4

6

8

10

r2=0.005, N=39, p>0.05

Paired t=5.01, df=22, p<0.001ResultsPaired t=5.01, df=22, p<0.001

Conclusion

• GSI vs. Boldness

• GSI vs. Shoaling

• Shoaling vs. Predator/No Predator

Future

• Exploration Experiment

Acknowledgements

• TG Public Benefit Program

• Dr. Richard Kopec

• Dr. Raelynn Deaton Haynes

• Claire Hemingway

Questions?