Inter-ecosystem variation in the food-collection behaviour in climbing perch Anabas testudineus , a freshwater fish

Abstract A unique piscine behaviour—collection and temporary storage of food materials inside the mouth during times of availability and particularly in response to starvation—has been reported in a single species, the climbing perch Anabas testudineus . In this study, we documented a significant variation in the amount of food collected by populations of climbing perch inhabiting different ecological regimes, kole paddy fields, canals and water channels in coconut plantations, after experiencing starvation for two different periods of 24 and 48 h. Our results revealed a significant flexibility in this unique behaviour, depending on the ecological conditions and hunger experienced by the individuals.