Predator-induced reaction patterns of the landlocked Galaxias maculatus to visual and chemical cues.

MILANO, DANIELA; LOZADA, MARIANA; ZAGARESE, HORACIO

Aquatiic Ecology

Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Año: 2010 vol. 44 p. 741 - 748

1386-2588

Anti-predator behaviour often represents a trade-off between the benefits of reducing predation risk and the drawbacks of limiting access to resources (e.g. food availability, mating and nesting sites). The effectiveness of avoidance behaviour relies on the ability to detect predator cues, which may provide reliable information on predation risk. Using con- trolled laboratory experiments, we studied the rela- tive importance of visual and chemical cues in the triggering of anti-predator responses in Galaxias maculatus, where Oncorhyncus mykiss was used as the predator. Metabolic cost was also estimated, measured as oxygen consumption. Exposure to different types of predator cue induced diverse behavioural responses in G. maculatus. Detection of the exotic predator, using both visual and chemical stimuli, resulted in reduced G. maculatus swimming activity and changes in respiratory rate.