Social cohesiveness of convict cichlid fish (Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum Guenther) after irradiation of parental spermatogonia and oogonia with different doses of x-rays.

Comparisons of social cohesiveness were made between F1 convict cichlids (Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum) derived from gonial germ cells which were exposed to 0 (controls), 250, 500, 750, 1000, or 2000 R of X-rays. The cohesiveness was determined by counting the distribution of each ten fish of every F1 group among 12 equal squares within a shallow test tank measuring 80 by 60 by 20 cm. While an increase in cohesiveness was detected in F1 males, as compared to the controls after irradiation with 500 R, the cohesiveness of F1 females decreased after 750 and 2000 R. The increase in male cohesiveness may be associated with a reduction of intermale aggressiveness as found in previous studies.