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Prey handling using whole-body fluid dynamics in batoids
Cheryl D Wilga1, Anabela Maia, Sandra Nauwelaerts
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA. cwilga@uri.edu
Zoology (Jena, Germany)
|January 17, 2012
Summary
Little skates and stingrays use unique body movements for foraging. Stingrays use suction, while skates use a rostral strike, demonstrating distinct prey handling behaviors influenced by morphology.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Ichthyology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Benthic species often use fluid flow generated by body movements as a foraging strategy.
- Understanding these behaviors is key to comprehending predator-prey dynamics in marine ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the kinematics and hydrodynamics of prey handling in little skates (Leucoraja erinacea) and round stingrays (Urobatis halleri).
- To investigate how morphological differences influence distinct prey handling behaviors and fluid flow generation.
Main Methods:
- Kinematic analysis of prey handling movements.
- Particle image velocimetry (PIV) to visualize fluid flow patterns.
- Comparative study of skate and stingray feeding behaviors.
Main Results:
- Both species create a "tent" with their bodies to constrain prey.
- Stingrays generate suction by elevating their heads and curling their rostrums, drawing fluid under their bodies.
- Skates use a weaker suction but employ a "rostral strike" behavior, rapidly moving their rostrum downwards to disturb prey.
Conclusions:
- Morphological differences, including rostrum stiffness and fin structure, dictate distinct prey handling strategies in skates and stingrays.
- Stingrays' flexible rostrums and larger fins facilitate suction feeding, while skates' stiff rostrums are adapted for striking and uncovering prey.
- The study highlights convergent evolution in fluid flow generation for foraging, shaped by divergent morphologies.
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