Inbreeding affects juvenile shoaling behaviour in sibling groups of a cichlid fish

Abstract Whilst the effects of inbreeding on growth and survival have been well studied, knowledge impact social behaviour is scarce. Animal groups are often composed relatives, which can facilitate cooperation (due to kin selection) improve group performance accordingly. Therefore, increased genetic relatedness in inbred could increase performance, whilst reduced diversity negative (inbreeding depression). We compared juvenile shoaling outbred sibling Pelvicachromis taeniatus (Boulenger 1901), a West-African cichlid fish with mating preferences. Activity (travelled distance), shoal density (inter-individual distance) recovery from disturbance (freezing time) novel environment were analysed using tracking software. Inbred individuals travelled shorter distances individuals, may decrease conspicuousness thus predation risk. Furthermore, recovered faster after suggesting improved coordination. In conclusion, our study revealed differences between groups. The higher positive form conspicuousness. activity impair foraging success under natural conditions might, however, be compensated by disturbances.