Predator model recognition and response habituation in shoaling minnows

doi:10.1016/S0003-3472(86)80119-1

Animal Behaviour

Volume 34, Issue 2, April 1986, Pages 510-518

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-3472(86)80119-1 Get rights and content

Abstract

Minnows in shoals used a spectrum of behaviours to discriminate stalking models of pike. Predator recognition was initially based on model shape and size, with identification being confirmed using information on markings gathered by minnows during predator inspection visits. Minnow behaviour indicated that shoals regarded the most realistic model as the greates threat. Conversely, habituation of the anti-predator response in repeated stalks was most evident with the least realistic model. Implications for the design of models used in predation experiments are discussed.

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Studies varied in the number of training sessions, ranging from one to more than forty, but most (30/40) incorporated 10 or fewer exposures to reduce the risk of habituation. Learning about predators can occur successfully with very few exposures to a negative event (Magurran and Girling, 1986; Curio et al., 1978; Feeney and Langmore, 2013; Maloney and McLean, 1995; Vieth et al., 1980). The risk of habituation appeared to vary among studies.
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Predator model recognition and response habituation in shoaling minnows

Abstract

Anim. Behav.

Anim. Behav.

Anim. Behav.

Anim. Behav.

Anim. Behav.

Anim. Behav.

Anim. Behav.

The adaptive significance of avian mobbing. 1. Teleonomic hypotheses and predictions

Z. Tierpsychol.

Habituation: a dual process theory

Psychol. Rev.

Visual central processes in fish behavior

Cost of prey capture, growth rate and ration size in pike, Esox lucius L., as functions of prey weight

J. Fish Biol.

An investigation of the territorial behaviour of three-spined sticklebacks using Principal Components Analysis

Anim. Behav.

A preliminary experimental analysis of predator face recognition by Chromis caerulus (Pisces, Pomacentridae)

Z. Tierpsychol.

Vergleichende Verhaltenforschung

Zool. Anzeiger Suppl.

General principles of learning

Individual differences in fish behaviour

Vigilant behaviour and shoal size in minnows

Z. Tierpsychol.