[Effect of hydrodynamics on the prey-predator relation. Experimental approach in a hydrodynamic channel].
Coupling effects of hydrodynamics and predatory activity of Nepthys hombergii (Savigny) (Polychaeta: Nephtyidae) on emigration of Hediste diversicolor (O.F. Müller) (Polychaeta: Nereidae) recruits were assessed in a flume. Experiments carried out in still water conditions and in the flume flow showed that predatory activity of N. hombergii is independent of the presence or the absence of flow and does not statistically influence the recruit emigration rate. It appears, however, that hydrodynamics is an inhibiting factor for the emigration of H. diversicolor which occurs in the absence of flow. The comparison of these results with literature data suggests that recruits could use hydrodynamics to leave an unsuitable habitat according to the species mobility range.
Laboratoire maritime, Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, Dinard, France. Nicolas.Desroy@univ.lille1.fr
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D000818:Animals; D011077:Polychaeta / Q000502:physiology*; D011235:Predatory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D012212:Rheology