Benefits of a predator induced morphology in crucian carp

Summary, in English

Crucian carp (Carassius carassius) develop a

deeper body in response to chemical cues from piscivores.

This change in body morphology has been suggested

to be a predator-induced defence. Here we investigate the

possible benefits of the induced body morphology in laboratory

experiments. Pike foraging behaviour when feeding

on crucian carp of different body depths was recorded

using video. Further, in a preference experiment pike

were allowed to choose between shallow-bodied and

deep-bodied crucian carp of similar lengths. Crucian

carp body morphology did not affect predatory behaviours

(activity, searching, following, observing, capture

success) in northern pike, but an increase in crucian carp

body depth led to an increase in handling time in pike. In

the preference experiment, pike preferred shallow-bodied

crucian carp over deep-bodied. Thus, a change in body

morphology, induced by the presence of piscivores, benefits

crucian carp by increasing piscivore handling times

and an avoidance of the deep-bodied phenotype.

• Author: Anders Nilsson; Christer Brönmark; Lars Pettersson
• Department/s: Division aquatic ecology; Biodiversity; Biodiversity and Conservation Science; Aquatic Ecology
• Publishing year: 1995
• Language: English
• Pages: 291-296
• Publication/Series: Oecologia
• Volume: 104
• Issue: 3
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00328363
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Springer
• Topic: Ecology
• Keywords: Predator-prey interactions; Induced defence; Phenotypic plasticity - Body depth. Carassius carassius
• Status: Published
• Research group: Biodiversity and Conservation Science; Aquatic Ecology
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 1432-1939