Predator-induced morphology enhances escape locomotion in crucian carp.
Fishes show a remarkable diversity of shapes which have been associated with their swimming abilities and anti-predator adaptations. The crucian carp (Carassius carassius) provides an extreme example of phenotypic plasticity in body shape which makes it a unique model organism for evaluating the relationship between body form and function in fishes. In crucian carp, a deep body is induced by the presence of pike (Esox lucius), and this results in lower vulnerability to gape-limited predators, such as pike itself. Here, we demonstrate that deep-bodied crucian carp attain higher speed, acceleration and turning rate during anti-predator responses than shallow-bodied crucian carp. Therefore, a predator-induced morphology in crucian carp enhances their escape locomotor performance. The deep-bodied carp also show higher percentage of muscle mass. Therefore, their superior performance in escape swimming may be due to a combination of higher muscle power and higher thrust.
Domenici
Paolo
P
CNR-IAMC, Località Sa Mardini, 09072 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy. paolo.domenici@iamc.cnr.it
Turesson
Håkan
H
Brodersen
Jakob
J
Brönmark
Christer
C
D000818:Animals; D002347:Carps / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D004924:Escape Reaction / Q000502:physiology*; D017859:Esocidae; D011235:Predatory Behavior; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*