Association with underwater structures in hatchery-reared and wild red snapper Lutjanus campechanus juveniles

Abstract

Behavioral observations were conducted with red snapper juveniles to improve release strategies for stock enhancement of this species. Association with an underwater structure was compared between hatchery-reared and wild juveniles using video recording. Both hatchery-reared and wild fish tended to stay inside the structure in the daytime and outside it at night. Hatchery-reared fish spent longer periods inside the structure in the daytime, but showed less association with the structure at night compared to the wild fish. We concluded that association behavior is innate but can be fine-tuned through experience.