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Fixed Action Patterns

Fixed Action Patterns

A fixed action pattern (FAP) is a specific, hard-wired sequence of behaviors that occurs in response to an external stimulus, called a sign stimulus. The behavior is “fixed” because it is essentially unchangeable—proceeding similarly across individuals of a species every time it occurs.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Implantation of a New Micro Acoustic Tag in Juvenile Pacific Lamprey and American Eel

Implantation of a New Micro Acoustic Tag in Juvenile Pacific Lamprey and American Eel

Published on: March 16, 2019

Catadromous eels continue to be slippery research subjects.

¹Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA. javise@uci.edu

Molecular Ecology

|May 6, 2011

Summary

Atlantic eels exhibit a unique catadromous life cycle, migrating to the Sargasso Sea to spawn. Genetic analysis of eel larvae confirms widespread spawning and near panmixia across their range.

Area of Science:

Marine Biology
Ichthyology
Genetics

Background:

Atlantic eels (Anguilla rostrata and Anguilla anguilla) undertake extensive migrations for reproduction.
Their catadromous life cycle contrasts with anadromous species like salmon.
Previous studies suggested panmixia based on adult eel genetics.

Discussion:

This study extends genetic analysis to Atlantic eel larvae in the Sargasso Sea spawning grounds.
Investigates the genetic connectivity between larvae and widespread adult populations.
Examines the implications of larval dispersal patterns for population structure.

Key Insights:

Larval genetic data from the Sargasso Sea support previous findings of near panmixia in Atlantic eels.
Confirms that both Atlantic eel species spawn in the Sargasso Sea.

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Handling and Treatment of Male European Eels (Anguilla anguilla) for Hormonal Maturation and Sperm Cryopreservation

Handling and Treatment of Male European Eels (Anguilla anguilla) for Hormonal Maturation and Sperm Cryopreservation

Published on: January 28, 2018

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Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Implantation of a New Micro Acoustic Tag in Juvenile Pacific Lamprey and American Eel

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Published on: March 16, 2019

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Handling and Treatment of Male European Eels (Anguilla anguilla) for Hormonal Maturation and Sperm Cryopreservation

Handling and Treatment of Male European Eels (Anguilla anguilla) for Hormonal Maturation and Sperm Cryopreservation

Published on: January 28, 2018

Highlights the unique reproductive strategy of Atlantic eels with broad distributions and panmictic spawning.

Outlook:

Further research can explore the specific oceanographic factors influencing larval dispersal.
Investigate potential genetic adaptations within different parts of the eel's range.
Incorporate these findings into conservation strategies for vulnerable eel populations.