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Modelled three-dimensional suction accuracy predicts prey capture success in three species of centrarchid fishes.

ABSTRACT: Prey capture is critical for survival, and differences in correctly positioning and timing a strike (accuracy) are likely related to variation in capture success. However, an ability to quantify accuracy under natural conditions, particularly for fishes, is lacking. We developed a predictive model of suction hydrodynamics and applied it to natural behaviours using three-dimensional kinematics of three centrarchid fishes capturing evasive and non-evasive prey. A spheroid ingested volume of water (IVW) with dimensions predicted by peak gape and ram speed was verified with known hydrodynamics for two species. Differences in capture success occurred primarily with evasive prey (64-96% success). Micropterus salmoides had the greatest ram and gape when capturing evasive prey, resulting in the largest and most elongate IVW. Accuracy predicted capture success, although other factors may also be important. The lower accuracy previously observed in M. salmoides was not replicated, but this is likely due to more natural conditions in our study. Additionally, we discuss the role of modulation and integrated behaviours in shaping the IVW and determining accuracy. With our model, accuracy is a more accessible performance measure for suction-feeding fishes, which can be used to explore macroevolutionary patterns of prey capture evolution.

SUBMITTER: Kane EA

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4006267 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Modelled three-dimensional suction accuracy predicts prey capture success in three species of centrarchid fishes.

Kane Emily A EA Higham Timothy E TE

Journal of the Royal Society, Interface 20140409 95

Prey capture is critical for survival, and differences in correctly positioning and timing a strike (accuracy) are likely related to variation in capture success. However, an ability to quantify accuracy under natural conditions, particularly for fishes, is lacking. We developed a predictive model of suction hydrodynamics and applied it to natural behaviours using three-dimensional kinematics of three centrarchid fishes capturing evasive and non-evasive prey. A spheroid ingested volume of water ...[more]

PMID: 24718455

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Project description:The complex interplay between form and function forms the basis for generating and maintaining organismal diversity. Fishes that rely on suction-feeding for prey capture exhibit remarkable phenotypic and trophic diversity. Yet the relationships between fish phenotypes and feeding performance on different prey types are unclear, partly because the morphological, biomechanical, and hydrodynamic mechanisms that underlie suction-feeding are complex. Here we demonstrate a general framework to investigate the mapping of multiple phenotypic traits to performance by mapping kinematic variables to suction-feeding capacity. Using a mechanistic model of suction-feeding that is based on core physical principles, we predict prey capture performance across a broad range of phenotypic trait values, for three general prey types: mollusk-like prey, copepod-like prey, and fish-like prey. Mollusk-like prey attach to surfaces, copepod-like prey attempt to escape upon detecting the hydrodynamic disturbance produced by the predator, and fish-like prey attempt to escape when the predator comes within a threshold distance. This approach allowed us to evaluate suction-feeding performance for any combination of six key kinematic traits, irrespective of whether these trait combinations were observed in an extant species, and to generate a multivariate mapping of phenotype to performance. We used gradient ascent methods to explore the complex topography of the performance landscape for each prey type, and found evidence for multiple peaks. Characterization of phenotypes associated with performance peaks indicates that the optimal kinematic parameter range for suction-feeding on different prey types are narrow and distinct from each other, suggesting different functional constraints for the three prey types. These performance landscapes can be used to generate hypotheses regarding the distribution of extant species in trait space and their evolutionary trajectories toward adaptive peaks on macroevolutionary fitness landscapes.

Project description:Predator-prey interactions play a key life history role, as animals cope with changing predation risk and opportunities to hunt prey. It has recently been shown that the hunting success of sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) targeting fish larvae is dependent on both the size of the prey and the prior exposure of its species to stickleback predation. The purpose of the current study was to identify the behavioural predator-prey interactions explaining the success or failure of sticklebacks hunting larvae of three potential prey species [roach (Rutilus rutilus), perch (Perca fluviatilis) and whitefish (Coregonus wartmannii)] in a 3D environment. Trials were carried out for each prey species at four different size classes in a standardised laboratory setup and were recorded using a slow motion, stereo camera setup. 75 predator-prey interactions including both failed and successful hunts were subject to the analysis. 3D track analysis indicated that sticklebacks applied different strategies. Prey with less complex predator escape responses, i.e. whitefish larvae, were hunted using a direct but stealthy approach ending in a lunge, while the behaviourally more complex roach and perch larvae were hunted with a faster approach. A multivariate logistic regression identified that slow average speed and acceleration of the prey in the initial stages of the hunt increased the probability of stickleback success. Furthermore, predators adjusted their swimming direction more often when hunting larger whitefish compared to smaller whitefish. The results suggest that appropriate and adequately timed avoidance behaviours, which vary between prey species and ontogenetic stages, significantly increase the chances of outmanoeuvring and escaping stickleback predation. Small whitefish larvae can reach similar levels of swimming performance compared to older conspecifics, but display ineffective anti-predator behaviours, resulting in higher hunting success for sticklebacks. Thus, the development of appropriate anti-predator behaviours depending on size appears to be the crucial factor to escaping predation.

Dataset Information

Modelled three-dimensional suction accuracy predicts prey capture success in three species of centrarchid fishes.

Publications

Modelled three-dimensional suction accuracy predicts prey capture success in three species of centrarchid fishes.

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