Intraspecific Communication in Dascyllus albisella (Pomacentridae)

Lots of animal species are known to show individuality in their acoustic communication. This variation in individual male signatures can be decisive for female choice. The damselfishes are known for their prolific sound production during courtship (i.e., signal jump) and spawning (i.e., mating sounds). However, it is unknown whether males of this family have individually distinguishable sounds. We investigated the variability in the reproductive sounds of seventeen male Dascyllus albisella at Johnston Atoll, Central Pacific Ocean. Acoustic analysis confirmed that courtship sounds differed from mating sounds. An analysis of the variation between and within individuals indicates a high consistency of both sounds among individuals. It appears that males of Dascyllus albisella do not use individual signatures in a reproductive behavioral context. This species can produce two stereotypical signals associated with courtship and spawning behaviors. Both sounds are highly consistent among individuals, meaning signals cannot provide individual signatures.