Behavioral divergence across replicated predation regimes is species-specific in two sympatric poeciliid fishes

Abstract

Predation is a potent driver of behavioral divergence across prey populations, yet whether shared predation regimes generate similar responses in coexisting prey species remains unclear. Species differences in reproductive and foraging traits may alter vulnerability to predators, generating species-specific responses. We compared behavior and cognition of two poeciliid fishes (Gambusia affinis and Poecilia latipinna) that differ in body size, the presence of male ornamentation, and mating tactics. We sampled both species across replicate high- and low-predation regimes and measured exploration, shyness, boldness, social motivation, and detour solve latency (N = 509). Multivariate behavior and cognition differed between predation regimes, and the magnitude of divergence varied with species but not body size. Consistent with the multivariate pattern, the more conspicuous P. latipinna exhibited higher boldness and overall lower exploration under high-predation, while high- and low-predation populations of G. affinis did not differ. These findings suggest either that the more conspicuous species experiences greater predation risk or that the less conspicuous species reduces its predation risk through alternative phenotypic responses. More broadly, species differences in reproductive phenotypes associated with sexual selection may help explain why shared predation regimes generate variable patterns of behavioral divergence across taxa.