Groups of genetically identical fish follow different behavioral paths as they mature
Schooling fish have long fascinated us with their mesmerizing collective movements and seemingly perfect coordination. But a new study on clonal mollies suggests that this behavior is not innate. During their first days of life, the fish still display distinct individual behaviors, and it is only around one month of age that they begin to form cohesive shoals, developing the coordinated movements…
Genetically identical fish exhibit diverse behavior patterns as they mature, according to a new study. Researchers from the Cluster of Excellence in Science of Intelligence, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Humboldt University Berlin, and UC Davis observed Amazon molly fish over a 55-day period. Despite being reared in identical conditions, the young mollies displayed distinct individual behaviors during their first two weeks of life.
Only around one month old did the fish begin to form cohesive shoals with coordinated movements. However, after a few weeks, several shoals of genetically identical clones began to behave differently. The study suggests that social experiences during development play a key role in the emergence of group behavior. Social interactions become more important as the fish mature, leading to changes in group behavior that cannot be explained by individual fish alone.
The findings challenge the notion that animal groups are relatively stable entities, revealing that group-level characteristics can change significantly during development.
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