Sex swap in seconds: The fish that takes charge and changes gender – ScienceDaily

Rapid Dominance Behavior and Sex Change in New Zealand Spotty Fish: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Scientists from Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka have discovered that a species of sex-changing fish, the New Zealand spotty (paketi), develops dominant behavior within minutes following a shift in social hierarchy. This study, led by the Department of Anatomy and published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, offers valuable insights into behavioral ecology and neural mechanisms, with significant relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Study Overview

1. Species and Behavior: The New Zealand spotty fish can change sex from female to male during adulthood in response to changes in social hierarchy.
2. Rapid Behavioral Change: The sex change process begins almost immediately after the removal of a dominant fish, with subordinate fish exhibiting dominant behaviors within minutes.
3. Dominant Behavior Characteristics:
   • Aggressive behaviors, termed “rushes,” involve rapid swimming towards subordinate fish.
   • Physical contact such as biting around tails and fins is common.
   • Subordinate fish typically respond by quickly escaping.

Key Findings

• Dominance hierarchies in spotties are linear and size-based, with larger fish dominating smaller ones.
• Dominant, larger fish are more likely to undergo sex change.
• When social hierarchies are disrupted, subordinate fish rapidly adapt their behavior to seize new dominant roles.
• The social decision-making network in the fish brain plays a crucial role in establishing dominance, with significant neural differences observed in dominant fish compared to others.

Neurobiological Insights

Dr. Kaj Kamstra, leading the neurobiological research, emphasized the complex relationship between social behavior and brain mechanisms. The findings highlight:

• The importance of social context in shaping individual behavior.
• The evolutionary flexibility of brain mechanisms adapting to social environment changes.
• Broader implications for understanding social dynamics across species, including humans.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

1. SDG 14 – Life Below Water:
   • Understanding sex change and dominance behavior in fish supports sustainable fisheries management.
   • Insights can improve aquaculture practices and conservation of commercially valuable species like New Zealand’s blue cod.
2. SDG 15 – Life on Land:
   • Enhances knowledge of biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics in aquatic environments.
   • Supports the maintenance of healthy aquatic ecosystems by informing species interaction models.
3. SDG 4 – Quality Education:
   • Promotes scientific research and education on behavioral ecology and neurobiology.
4. SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production:
   • Supports sustainable harvesting by understanding fish population dynamics influenced by social behavior.

Conclusion

The rapid onset of dominant behavior in New Zealand spotty fish following social hierarchy changes reveals critical biological and neural mechanisms. These findings contribute to sustainable fisheries management and conservation efforts, aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. The research underscores the importance of integrating behavioral ecology with neurobiology to promote biodiversity and ecosystem health in marine environments.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses on the behavior and biology of New Zealand spotty fish, which relates directly to marine life and ecosystems.
   • It discusses social hierarchies and sex change in fish species, which are important for understanding marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries management.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The research has implications for aquaculture and fisheries management, aiming to support sustainable fishing practices.
   • Understanding fish behavior can help maintain fish populations and avoid overfishing.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The scientific study and neurobiological research demonstrate innovation in understanding marine biology and social behavior in fish.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible.
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.8: Ensure that people have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including marine sciences.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 14:
   • Population dynamics of sex-changing fish species such as New Zealand spotty and blue cod.
   • Behavioral changes and social hierarchy shifts in fish populations as a measure of ecosystem health.
   • Fish stock assessments that consider sex ratios and dominance hierarchies to monitor sustainable harvesting.
2. Indicators related to SDG 12:
   • Implementation of sustainable aquaculture practices informed by behavioral research.
   • Levels of awareness and knowledge dissemination about sustainable fishing informed by scientific studies.
3. Indicators related to SDG 9:
   • Number of scientific studies and innovations in marine biology and neurobiology related to fish behavior.
   • Application of neurobiological research in fisheries management and aquaculture technology.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: sciencedaily.com