Scientists have discovered that prawns have distinct personalities, with shyer ones faring better in the battle for food.

A study on rockpool prawns from Gyllyngvase beach in Falmouth found some were consistently cautious, while others were bolder.

Risk-taking prawns tended to do worse in the fight for survival when their feeding behaviour was tested using parcels of brine shrimp.

The downfall of daring prawns could be due to their adventurous urges, explains first author of the study, Daniel Maskrey from the University of Liverpool.

He said: "We found that the shyer prawns were better at controlling a food source.


"This means that when they found food and possible rivals were nearby, they stayed and fed for longer than bolder prawns.

"The reasons for this aren't clear, but it's possible that bolder prawns have a higher urge to go on and continue exploring."

Image: Shy prawns do better in the fight for survival, new research suggests

The prawns were split into groups of similarly sized individuals in their quest to compete for food.

Their boldness was tested by being repeatedly placed in an unfamiliar tank to see how much they explored and ventured into the middle.

Mr Maskrey added: "We witnessed prawns fighting over food, and it could be that some use a bold exploration strategy because they favour searching for new food over competing with stronger rivals."

The new study on prawns could help scientists understand why members of one species have different personalities, according to Dr Tom Houslay of the University of Exeter.

He said: "Some individuals are more successful at monopolising food, while others are more willing to engage in potentially risky exploration.

"In different conditions and situations, either of these strategies might pay off - which might explain why evolution has not led to a single personality type.

"The rockpools where these prawns live change with each high tide and having such variation among prawns could be crucial when it comes to adapting to these and other changes," he continued.

The study, entitled "Who dares doesn't always win: risk averse rockpool prawns are better at controlling a limited resource", is published in the journal Animal Behaviour.