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16:03
A Fish-feeding Laboratory Bioassay to Assess the Antipredatory Activity of Secondary Metabolites from the Tissues of Marine Organisms
Published on: January 11, 2015
Metamorphosing reef fishes avoid predator scent when choosing a home
Alexander L Vail1, Mark I McCormick
1Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Biology Letters
|June 10, 2011
Summary
Coral reef fish larvae use innate smell to avoid predators during metamorphosis. This transition-specific adaptation reduces predation risk for vulnerable juvenile fish.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Organisms possess anti-predator adaptations, but adaptations during vulnerable life-history transitions are poorly understood.
- Coral reef fishes face extreme predation (over 50% mortality within 48 hours) during metamorphosis from pelagic larvae to benthic juveniles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate transition-specific anti-predator adaptations in coral reef fishes.
- To investigate the role of olfactory cues in predator avoidance during fish settlement.
Main Methods:
- A field experiment was conducted using naturally settling damselfish.
- Settlement habitat patches were manipulated to emit predator odor versus control odors.
- Settlement rates to experimental and control patches were compared.
Main Results:
- Naturally settling damselfish avoided habitat patches emitting predator odor.
- Settlement to predator odor patches was 24-43% lower than to control patches.
- Evidence suggests innate olfactory predator recognition is used.
Conclusions:
- Coral reef fish larvae exhibit a transition-specific anti-predator adaptation using innate olfactory cues.
- This avoidance behavior provides a survival advantage but may incur non-lethal costs.
- Such adaptations may be widespread in organisms with complex life cycles and influence population dynamics.
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