The Significance of Coloration in Fishes of the Genus Hypsoblennius Gill

Abstract

The social behavior and associated colorations of five Pacific species of Hypsoblennius were observed under field and laboratory conditions. Behavior patterns were classified as to their functional relationship to types of behavior such as aggression and courtship. The occurrence of various color patterns was then tested for correlation to these types of behavior. This analysis indicates that coloration is of potential value as a communication signal for differentiating between submission, aggression and courtship. Coloration was also correlated with habitat type and showed striking differences between sympatric species.