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Updated: Feb 26, 2026
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Assaying Predatory Feeding Behaviors in Pristionchus and Other Nematodes
Published on: September 4, 2016
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Latent feeding behaviors support trophic versatility in cichlids
Khalil T Russell1, Peter C Wainwright1
1Department of Evolution & Ecology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|February 25, 2026
Summary
Cichlid fish display remarkable feeding behavior versatility, readily consuming challenging prey outside their usual diets. This behavioral plasticity supports niche diversification and highlights the crucial role of behavior in linking fish form and function.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Animal behavior
- Ichthyology
Background:
- The evolution of feeding strategies is a key driver of diversification in cichlid fishes.
- Morphological adaptations for feeding are often linked to specific prey types and ecological niches.
- Behavioral flexibility may play a critical role in mediating the relationship between morphology and ecological specialization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between trophic ecology and prey-specific feeding behaviors in Mesoamerican cichlid fishes.
- To assess the behavioral versatility of cichlids when exploiting functionally demanding prey outside their typical diets.
- To explore how feeding ecology influences the evolution of specialized feeding behaviors, such as benthic grazing.
Main Methods:
- High-speed video (2000 Hz) was used to characterize feeding behavior in seven species of Mesoamerican cichlids.
- Feeding trials focused on an experimental attached benthic prey item.
- Species were selected to represent three independent transitions to piscivory and two to specialized benthic feeding.
Main Results:
- All cichlid species readily consumed the benthic prey, irrespective of their specialized feeding ecology.
- Non-benthic feeding species exhibited benthic-feeding behaviors similar to those of ecological benthic-feeders.
- Two distinct benthic-feeding lineages showed variation in feeding-strike kinesis, suggesting different evolutionary pathways for benthic feeding.
Conclusions:
- Cichlid species possess a versatile repertoire of latent feeding behaviors that can be deployed when encountering novel prey.
- Behavioral plasticity is crucial for trophic versatility and facilitates niche diversification within cichlid radiations.
- Understanding the diversity and evolutionary context of feeding behaviors is essential for comprehending cichlid adaptive radiation.
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