Variation in agonistic encounters in a dominance hierarchy of freely interacting red-spotted masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou ishikawai)

Abstract– Agonistic behaviour and dominance relationships in red-spotted masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou ishikawai , were observed in a mountain stream pool. A linear, size-structured dominance hierarchy was recognized among individuals, body weight being a more important determinant of dominance status than fish length. Immigrant fish interacted more frequently with residents of similar body size than with larger or smaller fish during the early period following immigration. Thereafter, frequency of interactions rapidly decreased. When a fish was attacked, it reacted in a variety of ways in close accordance with its opponent's dominance rank: responses were to simply flee, flee with lateral display, revolt by performing a counter display or ignore the aggression. Such behavioural modification seems to be established during the successive agonistic encounters, in particular, early encounter periods when frequent interactions took place.