Individual behavioral syndromes and shoal characteristics in farmed and wild Acrossocheilus fasciatus

This study investigates the individual behavioral syndromes and shoal characteristics of farmed and wild populations of the cyprinid Acrossocheilus fasciatus to elucidate the factors influencing the efficacy of fish stock enhancement. We examined two wild populations from Quzhou and Lishui, in Zhejiang Province, China, and one farmed population from the same geographical location as the Quzhou wild population. Individual behavioral syndromes were thoroughly evaluated alongside shoal characteristics. Results indicated that farmed A. fasciatus exhibited greater boldness, exploratory behavior, and sociability compared to their wild counterparts. Wild populations demonstrated distinct behavioral traits, with the Quzhou population showing reduced locomotor activity and sociability, and the Lishui population displaying timidity. Shoal analysis revealed that wild fish had higher cohesion and shoal synchronization compared to farmed fish. Additionally, mixed groups exhibited intermediate locomotor behaviors but decreased cohesion, particularly in the Quzhou population. These findings underscore significant behavioral differences between farmed and wild fish, as well as among wild fish from different geographical locations, emphasizing the need for tailored training and environmental modifications in stock enhancement programs to improve survival. •Geographical variation among wild populations influences behavioral traits.•Farmed Acrossocheilus fasciatus show greater boldness and exploratory behavior than wild populations.•Wild fish exhibit higher shoal cohesion and shoal synchronization, while mixed groups show reduced cohesion.