Habitat Complexity and Shoaling Behavior in Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas)

Abstract

Fathead minnows were placed in either a complex environment with a predator, complex environment without a predator, simple environment with a predator, or simple environment without a predator in order to determine the shoaling behavior in these specific situations. Videos were taken of each trial to analyze and collect data. The results showed no significant effect on either the distance between the individuals or shoal diameter. In this particular experiment, this result demonstrates shoaling behavior is neither based on the complexity of environment nor whether or not a predator is present.