Nuclear-following_behaviour_Geophagus-brasiliensis_Deuterodon-iguape

Nuclear-follower feeding associations between <i>Geophagus brasiliensis</i> and <i>Deuterodon iguape </i>were described through underwater observations made at a costal stream of the Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil. Subadults of <i>D. iguape</i> were recorded feeding on sediment clouds suspended and expelled during the feeding activity of solitary adults of <i>G. brasiliensis</i>, under organic substrate, during the day. The feeding association between <i>G. brasiliensis</i> and <i>D. iguape</i> represents the third record of this type of interaction along coastal drainages of South America, which increases to 13 the number of nuclear species known for freshwater fish in the continent. The following behaviour is known to provide feeding benefits to follower and nuclear fishes in marine environments, and the present record reinforces that species into freshwater habitats are likely to have similar advantages when taking part in these interactions.<b></b>