Scaring Nemo: Contrasting effects of observer presence on two anemonefish species.

ABSTRACT

Behaviours of Clark's anemonefish Amphiprion clarkii and the dusky anemonefish Amphiprion melanopus were studied in Vanuatu. Six anemones and their resident fish were observed for typical behaviours (hiding, watching, roaming, inter-, and intraspecific behaviour) with and without the presence of a snorkelling observer. Observer presence had significant but contrasting effects on hiding behaviour in A. clarkii and A. melanopus. Bolder anemonefish species may be able to outcompete other species in areas with high human presence.