INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL RANK ON THE BEHAVIOR OF BLUEGILL, LEPOMIS-MACROCHIRUS RAFINESQUE EXPOSED TO SUBLETHAL CONCENTRATIONS OF CADMIUM AND ZINC

The influence of social rank on changes in Lepomis macrochirus behaviour brought about by exposure to sublethal concentrations of cadmium and zinc was studied. Significant changes occurred in the frequency of eight of the nine behavioural acts quantified. The effects of metals on the behaviour of individuals was often related to the individual's social status in the hierarchies that had formed. The majority of agonistic behaviours (nips and nudges) were performed by dominant individuals and the majority of comfort behaviours (coughs, yawns, jerks, jerk swimming, fin flickering and chafes) occurred in subordinate individuals. These differences occurred during the control period as well as the treatment period and are thought to be in part caused by socially induced stress. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved