The behavioral response of prey fish to predators: the role of predator size

摘要: Predation is one of the key factors governing patterns in natural systems, and adjustments prey behaviors response to a predator stimulus can have important ecological implications for wild fish. To investigate effects predators on behavior fish test whether possible varied with size, black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) snakehead (Channa argus) (a size-matched treatment similar body size larger approximately 2.7 times mass fish) were selected function as predator, respectively. Their spontaneous activities videorecorded central circular arena surrounded by ring holding The distance between was 200% two fish, which suggested that distinguish their conspecifics from heterospecifics probably recognize potential predator. spent substantially less time moving exhibited an overall shorter total movement after or large introduced, possibly occurred due increased vigilance efforts reduce possibility detection predators. However, there no significant difference either treatments. These findings (1) anti-predator strategy might involve maintaining safe distance, decreasing activity (2) not influenced relative difference.