Early exposure to odors changes later visual prey preferences in cuttlefish

Developmental studies have shown that environmental stimulation received by a developing sensory system can alter the developmental outcome of both that sensory system and other aspects of the nervous system. We investigated the ecologically relevant question of whether prior exposure to prey early in development within one sensory modality could influence later prey choice within a different sensory modality. Cuttlefish are visual predators; they can detect prey odors but attacks on prey cannot be elicited without visual stimulation. Cuttlefish eggs were exposed to the odor of shrimp (preferred prey), crabs (non-preferred prey), mollusks (non-prey), or a seawater control (no prey). Seven days after hatching, prey preferences were tested with a visual choice test between crabs and shrimp. Hatchlings exposed to crabs odors and the seawater control were significantly more likely to attack shrimp. Hatchlings exposed to mollusk odors showed no visual prey preference, while those exposed to shrimp preferentially attacked crabs. These results demonstrate a complex relationship between an early sensory exposure and later prey preference