Abstract

Reproductive behaviors of gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus, were recorded by SCUBA divers and remote video on artificial reefs in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico in June and July 2004-2006. Gray triggerfish showed elaborate courtship, demersal nests, and parental care of the eggs by both sexes. Individual fish were identified by size or natural scars and marks. A dominant male gray triggerfish established a territory on and around the reef, and built demersal nests in the surrounding sediment. The mean diameter of a nest was 0.53 m, depth was 0.24 m and distance from the reef 8.6 m. Male gray triggerfish courtship behavior was indicated by elaborate circling of a female, color changes, and leading the female to a nest. Within the nest both fish circled each other for a few minutes, before release of demersal gametes. After spawning the female stayed on the nest and guarded the eggs for 24-48 h. While on the nest, females showed the following behaviors: cleaning the nest, blowing on eggs, chasing other fish, and chasing other gray triggerfish. Male gray triggerfish also showed parental care by patrolling the reef and guarding the nests from other fish. Male behaviors while protecting the nest included: chasing other fish, chasing other gray triggerfish, revisiting the nest, and feeding. On several instances two females were observed on separate nests guarding eggs simultaneously around one reef with a dominant male

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