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Terminal phase adult male bluehead wrasse show rapid and frequent changes of body colour from bright green to opalescent. Green body colour is associated with aggressive chases of other fish, opalescent with courting females and spawning and so the body colour gives an indication of the fish's 'intention' over the next few seconds. Pectoral fin spots appear during courtship and a hypothesis is suggested for their function.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/0376-6357(93)90136-F

Type

Journal article

Journal

Behav Processes

Publication Date

12/1993

Volume

30

Pages

245 - 251