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Marine teleost locates live prey through pH sensing
John Caprio1, Mami Shimohara2, Takayuki Marui3
1Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. jcap@lsu.edu.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 7, 2014
Summary
The Japanese sea catfish can detect minute pH changes in seawater, sensing prey through external receptors. This pH sensing is most effective in natural ocean conditions.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Sensory Physiology
- Chemical Ecology
Background:
- Marine animals rely on diverse sensory mechanisms for foraging.
- Understanding chemosensation in fish is crucial for marine ecology.
- The Japanese sea catfish (Plotosus japonicus) is an ecologically significant species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pH-sensing capabilities of Plotosus japonicus.
- To determine the role of external sensors in detecting prey.
- To characterize the sensitivity range of this pH detection.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recordings from external sensory receptors.
- Behavioral assays in controlled pH conditions.
- Stimulation with chemical cues mimicking respiring prey.
Main Results:
- Plotosus japonicus detects localized increases in H(+)/CO2 (pH decrease ≤0.1).
- Sensors are located on the external body surface.
- Sensitivity is highest at natural seawater pH (8.1–8.2) and diminishes below pH 8.0.
Conclusions:
- The Japanese sea catfish possesses a highly sensitive pH detection system.
- This system enables the detection of undamaged, respiring prey.
- Optimal function of this sensory system is linked to natural seawater pH levels.
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