Visual Cues for Predator Face Recognition by Reef Fishes

Abstract

Abstract A morphometric analysis of 20 different facial features of reef fishes was carried out in order to assess cues which could serve for predator recognition. 105 different species of 35 different families were included in this study. The main features of potential discriminatory value were head width, head shape, the size of the mouth and its shape, the shape of the eyes, their diameter, and the distance between the eyes. Color and pattern were of no potential discriminatory value. Discriminant function analysis showed that two cues, the distance between the eyes and the size of the mouth, were sufficient for good predator recognition. The camouflage of piscivorous cues by predatory fish is discussed. The mimicry of piscivorous cues by some prey fishes as an anti‐predator strategy is suggested for two types of false eye spots simulating the frontal aspect of a piscivore.