Blood Cues Induce Antipredator Behavior in Nile Tilapia Conspecifics

Author(s)

Barreto, Rodrigo Egydio ^[1] ; Miyai, Caio Akira ^[1] ; Carretero Sanches, Fabio Henrique ^[1] ; Giaquinto, Percilia Cardoso ^[1] ; Delicio, Helton Carlos ^[1] ; Volpato, Gilson Luiz ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Fisiol, Inst Biociencias, BR-18618970 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS One; v. 8, n. 1 JAN 18 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 18

Abstract

In this study, we show that the fish Nile tilapia displays an antipredator response to chemical cues present in the blood of conspecifics. This is the first report of alarm response induced by blood-borne chemical cues in fish. There is a body of evidence showing that chemical cues from epidermal `club' cells elicit an alarm reaction in fish. However, the chemical cues of these `club' cells are restricted to certain species of fish. Thus, as a parsimonious explanation, we assume that an alarm response to blood cues is a generalized response among animals because it occurs in mammals, birds and protostomian animals. Moreover, our results suggest that researchers must use caution when studying chemically induced alarm reactions because it is difficult to separate club cell cues from traces of blood. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/11319-0 - Chemical signalling during predator-prey relationship in the Nile Tilapia: from behavioural ecology to aquaculture
• Grantee: Rodrigo Egydio Barreto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants