ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
Olfaction
;
chemoreception
;
solitary chemosensory cells
;
predator recognition
;
alarm pheromone
;
Schreckstoff
;
fathead minnow
;
Pimephales promelas
;
northern pike
;
Esox lucius
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Solitary fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were rendered anosmic and exposed to chemical stimuli from a predatory northern pike (Esox lucius) to determine the role of olfaction in the minnow's ability to recognize predators on the basis of chemical stimuli. Anosmic fish did not respond to the pike stimuli with a typical fright reaction, while control fish, with intact olfactory receptors, did. These results demonstrate that the olfactory system is necessary for the ability of fathead minnows to recognize northern pike as a predator and that the gustatory and single-celled chemosensory systems are not sufficient for this recognition in the absence of olfactory input. Olfactory impairment was behaviorally confirmed by exposing minnows to alarm substance (Schreckstoff).
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00984997
