The sensory basis of olfactory search behavior in banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus)

Abstract. The sensory basis of olfactory search behavior was investigated in the banded kokopu, Galaxias fasciatus, using a flow tank. In the presence of a 2 cm s–1 current flow, banded kokopu use both water current and chemical information to locate a food odor source. The superficial neuromasts of the lateral line system mediate the rheotactic component of the odor search. A physical block of one olfactory nostril did not affect the olfactory search strategy employed by banded kokopu in still water or in the presence of a current flow. Thus, there is no evidence that banded kokopu perform a bilateral comparison of the olfactory stimulus during their odor search. Previously, olfaction and gustation have been the only sensory systems shown to directly mediate orientation and movement towards odor sources in fish. The use of hydrodynamic cues by fish in location of an olfactory source has been previously proposed, but without direct experimental identification of the sensory systems employed. This study identifies the contributing roles of both olfactory and hydrodynamic sensory systems to the olfactory search repertoire of fish.

[1]  C. F. Baker,et al.  The sensory basis of rheotaxis in the blind Mexican cave fish, Astyanax fasciatus , 1999, Journal of Comparative Physiology A.

[2]  Paul W. Mielke,et al.  34 Meteorological applications of permutation techniques based on distance functions , 1984, Nonparametric Methods.

[3]  J. H. Zar,et al.  Biostatistical Analysis (5th Edition) , 1984 .

[4]  M. Biondini,et al.  Secondary successional patterns in a sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) community as they relate to soil disturbance and soil biological activity , 1985, Vegetatio.

[5]  Kenneth J. Berry,et al.  Multi-response permutation procedures for a priori classifications , 1976 .

[6]  Peter B. Johnsen,et al.  Spatial gradient detection of chemical cues by catfish , 1980, Journal of comparative physiology.

[7]  J Atema,et al.  Eddy Chemotaxis and Odor Landscapes: Exploration of Nature With Animal Sensors. , 1996, The Biological bulletin.

[8]  N D Pentcheff,et al.  Odor Plumes and Animal Navigation in Turbulent Water Flow: A Field Study. , 1995, The Biological bulletin.

[9]  R. Cardé,et al.  Fine-scale structure of pheromone plumes modulates upwind orientation of flying moths , 1994, Nature.

[10]  E. A. Arbas,et al.  Variability in odor-modulated flight by moths , 1998, Journal of Comparative Physiology A.

[11]  J Atema,et al.  Three-dimensional odor tracking by Nautilus pompilius. , 2000, The Journal of experimental biology.

[12]  Kenneth J. Berry,et al.  A class of nonparametric tests based on multiresponse permutation procedures , 1981 .

[13]  Peter B. Johnsen,et al.  Behavioral responses of bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo) to controlled olfactory stimulation , 1985 .

[14]  E. Hassan,et al.  Studies on the effects of Ca2++ and Co++ on the swimming behavior of the blind Mexican cave fish , 1992, Journal of Comparative Physiology A.

[15]  A. Fernö,et al.  Diel activity pattern and food search behaviour in cod, Gadus morhua , 1999, Environmental Biology of Fishes.

[16]  Olfactory search tracks in the Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchii , 1999, Polar Biology.

[17]  Jelle Atema,et al.  Chemical orientation of lobsters, homarus americanus, in turbulent odor plumes , 1991, Journal of Chemical Ecology.

[18]  J Atema,et al.  Structures and functions of the sense of taste in the catfish (Ictalurus natalis). , 1971, Brain, behavior and evolution.

[19]  M J Weissburg,et al.  Odor plumes and how blue crabs use them in finding prey. , 1994, The Journal of experimental biology.

[20]  J. Montgomery,et al.  The lateral line can mediate rheotaxis in fish , 1997, Nature.

[21]  J. Atema.  Distribution of Chemical Stimuli , 1988 .

[22]  J. Bardach,et al.  Orientation by Taste in Fish of the Genus Ictalurus , 1967, Science.

[23]  J. Atema.  Smelling and Tasting Underwater. , 1980 .

[24]  M J Weissburg,et al.  The fluid dynamical context of chemosensory behavior. , 2000, The Biological bulletin.

[25]  Svein Løkkeborg,et al.  Feeding behaviour of cod,Gadus morhua: activity rhythm and chemically mediated food search , 1998 .

[26]  R F Mathewson,et al.  Klinotaxis and rheotaxis in orientation of sharks toward chemical stimuli. , 1972, Comparative biochemistry and physiology. A, Comparative physiology.

[27]  N. Vickers.  Mechanisms of animal navigation in odor plumes. , 2000, The Biological bulletin.

[28]  J. Atema,et al.  FUNCTION OF CHEMORECEPTOR ORGANS IN SPATIAL ORIENTATION OF THE LOBSTER, HOMARUS AMERICANUS: DIFFERENCES AND OVERLAP , 1982 .

[29]  R. Zimmer,et al.  Chemical signaling processes in the marine environment. , 2000, The Biological bulletin.