title: Not So Fast: Swimming Behavior of Sailfish during Predator-Prey Interactions using High-Speed Video and Accelerometry.
abstract: Billfishes are considered among the fastest swimmers in the oceans. Despite early estimates of extremely high speeds, more recent work showed that these predators (e.g., blue marlin) spend most of their time swimming slowly, rarely exceeding 2 m s(-1). Predator-prey interactions provide a context within which one may expect maximal speeds both by predators and prey. Beyond speed, however, an important component determining the outcome of predator-prey encounters is unsteady swimming (i.e., turning and accelerating). Although large predators are faster than their small prey, the latter show higher performance in unsteady swimming. To contrast the evading behaviors of their highly maneuverable prey, sailfish and other large aquatic predators possess morphological adaptations, such as elongated bills, which can be moved more rapidly than the whole body itself, facilitating capture of the prey. Therefore, it is an open question whether such supposedly very fast swimmers do use high-speed bursts when feeding on evasive prey, in addition to using their bill for slashing prey. Here, we measured the swimming behavior of sailfish by using high-frequency accelerometry and high-speed video observations during predator-prey interactions. These measurements allowed analyses of tail beat frequencies to estimate swimming speeds. Our results suggest that sailfish burst at speeds of about 7 m s(-1) and do not exceed swimming speeds of 10 m s(-1) during predator-prey interactions. These speeds are much lower than previous estimates. In addition, the oscillations of the bill during swimming with, and without, extension of the dorsal fin (i.e., the sail) were measured. We suggest that extension of the dorsal fin may allow sailfish to improve the control of the bill and minimize its yaw, hence preventing disturbance of the prey. Therefore, sailfish, like other large predators, may rely mainly on accuracy of movement and the use of the extensions of their bodies, rather than resorting to top speeds when hunting evasive prey.
authors.affiliation: *IAMC-CNR, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy; Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6; **Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75106, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marras
authors.affiliation: *IAMC-CNR, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy; Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6; **Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75106, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA *IAMC-CNR, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy; Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6; **Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75106, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA.
authors.forename: Takuji
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Noda
authors.affiliation: *IAMC-CNR, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy; Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6; **Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75106, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA.
authors.forename: John F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Steffensen
authors.affiliation: *IAMC-CNR, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy; Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6; **Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75106, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA.
authors.forename: Morten B S
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Svendsen
authors.affiliation: *IAMC-CNR, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy; Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6; **Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75106, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA *IAMC-CNR, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy; Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6; **Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75106, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA.
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krause
authors.affiliation: *IAMC-CNR, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy; Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6; **Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75106, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA *IAMC-CNR, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy; Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6; **Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75106, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA.
authors.forename: Alexander D M
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: *IAMC-CNR, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy; Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6; **Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75106, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA.
authors.forename: Ralf H J M
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Kurvers
authors.affiliation: *IAMC-CNR, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy; Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6; **Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75106, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Herbert-Read
authors.affiliation: *IAMC-CNR, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy; Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6; **Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75106, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Boswell
authors.affiliation: *IAMC-CNR, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy; Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6; **Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75106, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA paolo.domenici@cnr.it.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Domenici
mesh_terms: D061725:Accelerometry / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005399:Fishes / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D011235:Predatory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*; D014741:Video Recording