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Cortisol mediates cleaner wrasse switch from cooperation to cheating and tactical deception
Marta C Soares1, Sónia C Cardoso2, Alexandra S Grutter3
1CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão 4485-661, Portugal.
Hormones and Behavior
|June 22, 2014
Summary
Cortisol levels influence cooperation in cleaner wrasse. Increased cortisol led to cheating behavior, while blocking receptors increased tactile stimulation, suggesting cortisol is key to condition-dependent cooperation.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior
- Neuroendocrinology
- Marine biology
Background:
- Physiological state impacts cooperation levels in various species.
- Condition-dependent cooperation mechanisms, particularly the underlying physiology, remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cortisol in modulating cooperation and cheating behaviors in wild cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus).
- To explore the physiological basis of condition-dependent cooperation in a marine fish model.
Main Methods:
- Adult cleaner wrasse were administered cortisol, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (mifepristone RU486), or a sham treatment (saline).
- Cleaning behaviors, including tactile stimulation and mucus-feeding (cheating), were observed and quantified over 45 minutes post-administration.
Main Results:
- Exogenous cortisol administration mirrored previously observed "cheating" behaviors, where cleaners provide more stimulation to attract larger clients for mucus consumption.
- Blocking glucocorticoid receptors resulted in increased tactile stimulation directed towards larger clients.
- Cortisol levels were linked to behavioral shifts, influencing the trade-off between cooperation and cheating.
Conclusions:
- Cortisol levels significantly affect cooperation and cheating behaviors in cleaner wrasse.
- Cortisol may represent a general physiological mechanism regulating condition-dependent cooperation across vertebrate species.
- Understanding these hormonal influences is crucial for comprehending social behavior evolution.
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