Thalassoma bifasciatum (Labridae) - Aufsuchen des nächtlichen Ruheplatzes

Freiwasseraufnahmen (Bahamas). Der Lippfisch übernachtet in Höhlen des Korallenriffs, wobei jedes Individuum immer wieder dieselbe Höhle aufsucht. Wrasses belong to the fishes that are active during day-time. They go to hiding-places before nightfall and stay there until sunrise. Whereas numerous wrasses dig themselves into sandy bottom, Thalassoma bifasciatum is a species that goes for shelter into narrow crevices, holes or among densely growing algae that cover the substrate. Such places are territorial property and are usually retained for longer time. The film shows a terminal male that enters its nocturnal refuge in a block of coral on 3 consecutive evenings. Aggressive behaviour is shown against potential competitors. Moreover, the film documents a peculiar "satellite"-relationship between terminal male and a smaller male with intermediate color pattern.