Study shows fish leadership

Sociable fish suppress their own personality and conform when they are with a partner, research has found.

A study by Bristol University, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, examined threespined sticklebacks.

These fish, measuring just 3-4cm, are the smallest freshwater fish in the UK and are widespread in ponds, lakes, rivers and estuaries.

Researchers found bolder fish were more likely to act as leaders but this was only observed in less sociable fish.

Individual boldness did not affect decision making when in a pair for sociable fish.