The influence of alarm substance and shoal size on the behaviour of zebra danios, Brachydanio rerio (Cyprinidae)

Timidity, vigilance and response to alarm substance were examined in shoals consisting of one to 12 zebra danios, Brachydanio rerio. Measures of timidity were not clearly related to shoal size. Fish in larger shoals spent more time in central areas of the tank away from cover than fish in smaller shoals. However, fish in small shoals appeared to be as aggressive as those in larger shoals. Vigilance and foraging rates did not appear to be related to shoal size. Per capita foraging rates and shoal size were not correlated. After being frightened by alarm substance, danios in larger shoals did not return to foraging sooner than those in smaller groups. Zebra danios in all shoal sizes responded behaviourally to alarm substance. It appears that the presence of conspecifics is unnecessary for alarm behaviours to occur and that the nature of the behaviours are independent of shoal size.