Behavioural profiles in a wild population of a cooperatively breeding cichlid

In cooperatively breeding species, subordinates can obtain group membership through social interactions with other members or by providing services such as helping territory defence. Large subordinate individuals, which reproduce, are expected to adjust their behaviour a function of the demand help and size because if environmental conditions allow, they may either leave start queue for position in natal group. The number helpers is affect need dominants consequently also level subordination shown helpers. series field experiments, we manipulated opportunities show submissive wild population species Neolamprologus pulcher. We assessed determines behavioural strategy large individuals. When experimentally eliciting behaviour, from small groups showed lower frequency compared groups; moreover, tended higher sand digging than groups. contrast, neither defence presence heterospecific egg larvae predator nor dispersal propensity, measured prospecting neighbouring territories, was affected size. A principal component analysis revealed that uncorrelated behaviour. Our results suggest be involved shaping phenotypes juvenile subordinates.