How do follower reef fishes find nuclear fishes?

Among reef fishes, it is common for “follower” individuals to accompany “nuclear” species and to feed on prey uncovered by their foraging. In this study, I examine the cues used by followers to find nuclear fish. A model of a ubiquitous nuclear fish was maintained immobile or moved to disturb the substratum and the number of fish species and individuals attracted was compared to control treatments. The results showed that: 1) bottom disturbance was the strongest attraction factor for follower reef fishes; 2) visual features of the nuclear also attracted follower reef fishes; 3) there was no evidence of an interaction between bottom disturbance and nuclear fish appearance in the attraction of followers, supporting the idea that both factors independently elicit following behaviour by reef fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]