Behavioral ecology of coral reef fishes studied at Sesoko Station since 1982

Abstract

This review provides a brief summary of our field research on the behavioral ecology of coral reef fishes conducted at Sesoko Station, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan. We have continued observations and experiments on fish behavior using SCUBA or by snorkeling on the fringing reefs of Sesoko Island since 1982. The results of our four main research subjects, that is, mimicry, parental care and mating systems, bidirectional sex change, and mate choice and alternative mating tactics, all of which have been major subjects of behavioral ecology, are summarized with references and historical information. The titles and speakers of papers, presented at two international meetings organized by the author and held at the Sesoko Station in 1991 and 2004, and field studies conducted on fishes in Sesoko Island by other researchers, including graduate students from various universities, are introduced. The Sesoko Station has been providing excellent facilities for field studies of coral reef fishes and has contributed greatly to the development of the behavioral ecology of fishes.