Journal Article
Can chemical cues act as landmarks in the orientation of the cavefish Phreatichthys andruzzii?
Ceccolini, F., Paglianti, A, Streitenberger, C. and Berti, R.
Record Number:
3309
Year:
2010
Journal:
Canadian Journal of Zoology
Pages:
884-888
Volume:
88
Abstract:
In the constant
darkness of cave environments fish locomotion has to be directed by
nonvisual spatial information. Four series of tests were done to determine
the ability of the hypogean cyprinid Phreatichthys andruzzii Vinciguerra,
1924 to memorize a synthetic chemical cue (morpholine, C4H9NO), to
associate it with an area, to utilize such information for direct locomotory
activity, and to determine how long that association is retained in fish
memory. Although morpholine acts as neutral stimulus for P. andruzzii,
after acclimation in morpholine-scented areas devoid of food resources
specimens showed a clear tendency to avoid waters characterized by the
odour of that chemical. We hypothesize that an association between
odours and trophic characteristics of an area allows the fish to optimize
their exploratory activity, as it allows them to recognize areas already
experienced to be devoid of trophic resources and to avoid these as
unprofitable places. The above association seems to be memorized for a
short time; the behavioural response vanishing between 6 and 18 h after
the end of the acclimation period. After a certain time has elapsed, it
could be profitable to visit the same areas again to verify the incidental
availability of new food sources.
Times Cited:
1