Magnhagen data 2022

In a field study, nest guarding male common gobies showed individual differences in behavioural response to disturbance during simulated predation risk. If behaviour differs consistently between individuals, the question is whether these differences also are reflected in the nest holders’ reproductive success. There was a difference in nesting success with some nests being abandoned prematurely. The hypothesis is that bolder individuals, taking higher risks to guard their nests, are more successful in keeping their nest for the whole nesting cycle, from spawning to hatching of the offspring. The results showed that larger males abandoned their nests prematurely and stayed away longer from their nests.