Population Differences in Responses of Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas) to Visual and Chemical Stimuli from Predators

Abstract

Fathead minnows (Cyprinidae: Pimephales promelas) from a population that is sympatric with predatory northern pike (Esocidae: Esox lucius) exhibited a fright reaction to the visual stimulus of a live northern pike significantly more often than minnows from a population that is allopatric with pike. The fright response included increased use of shelter, dashing and freezing. Minnows from the pike‐sympatric population also exhibited a significantly greater fright response, measured as a reduction in activity, following exposure to chemical stimuli from pike (i.e. water from a tank that had contained a pike) than did minnows from the pike‐allopatric population. There was no significant change in activity by minnows from either population following exposure to chemical stimuli from nonpiscivorous peacock gudgeons (Eleotridae: Tateurndina ocellicauda), suggesting that the difference between the two populations is specific to stimuli from pike rather than a general difference in response to chemical stimuli from heterospecific fishes. Fathead minnows apparently utilize at least a two‐tiered predator recognition system that incorporates both visual and chemical cues.

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0310.1993.tb00976.x

Publication Date

1-1-1993

Journal Title

Ethology

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