Production of chemical alarm cues in convict cichlids: the effects of diet, body condition and ontogeny

摘要: While much is known regarding the role of chemical alarm cues in mediation predator–prey dynamics within aquatic ecosystems, little production these critically important information sources. In a series laboratory experiments, we tested possible effects diet, body condition and ontogeny on juvenile convict cichlids (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, Cichlidae, Acanthopterygii). Juvenile were fed one two diets, tubifex worms (Tubifex spp.) or brine shrimp (Artemia spp.). Shrimp grew longer heavier better than cichlids. Experiment 1, exhibited stronger antipredator response to conspecific skin extracts from donors versus tubifex, regardless test cichlid diet. 2, exposed high low either diets. Cichlids significantly donors, donor Finally, 3, similar sized conspecifics, adult swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) distilled water control. We found no evidence an ontogenetic change as intensity responses when cues. Taken together, data suggest that individual diet may influence with consequence influencing cue