A Study Of Territorial Aggression Related To Reproductive State Of Nests Of The Male Garibaldi, Hypsypops rubicunda

Abstract

The relative degree of aggressive behavior displayed by territorial male garibaldi, Hypsypops rubicunda is studied by placing a Linckia Columbia near the garibaldi's nest. Males guarding reproductive nests show significantly faster reactions to the presence of a Linckia starfish than those guarding nonreproductive nests. Other * qualitative observations indicate inpreased defensiveness of males with,reproductive nests. The relationship of these findings to the theory of territoriality is proposed as being primarily related to reproduction.