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Hydrodynamic orientation of crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) to swimming fish prey

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Abstract

Reversibly blindfolded crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) react to small swimming fish (Astyanax fasciatus mexicanus) approaching or passing nearby with antennal and cheliped movements and body turns (Fig. 3). We studied the accuracy and dynamics of crayfish orientation responses to the previously analyzed hydrodynamic disturbances caused by the fish, mostly produced by tail flicks.

Antennal and cheliped movements started slightly before the onset of turning responses (Fig. 4). Antennal sweeps were performed most rapidly. 50% of the appendage sweeps resulted in contacts with the fish (Fig. 5).

Most turns were directed toward the stimulus (Fig. 6). Response amplitudes increased with increasing stimulus angle. Turns were accurate for small stimulus angles, but smaller than expected for larger ones. Sweeps of ipsilateral antennae and chelipeds were generally directed backwards, while those of contralateral appendages were smaller and directed forwards. The amplitudes of appendage sweeps first increased with increasing stimulus angle and then decreased again for more caudal stimulus directions. Lateral stimuli (60°–120°) from opposite sides were usually significantly distinguished. The amplitudes of the different elements of orientation behaviour were highly correlated with each other, indicating that they were directed by the same sensory input.

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Author notes

  1. J. Tautz

    Present address: Theodor Boveri Institut für Biowissenschaften der Universität, Zoologie II, D-97074, Würzburg, Germany

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  1. Fakultät für Biologie, Universität Konstanz, Postfach 5560 (M618), D-78434, Konstanz, Germany

    T. Breithaupt, B. Schmitz & J. Tautz

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Breithaupt, T., Schmitz, B. & Tautz, J. Hydrodynamic orientation of crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) to swimming fish prey. J Comp Physiol A 177, 481–491 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00187483

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