Activation of photoresponses of brine shrimp nauplii involved in diel vertical migration by chemical cues from fish

The effects of exposure to a planktivorous fish (Atlantic menhaden larvae) on the photoresponse involved in the descent phase of nocturnal did vertical migration of brine shrimp (Artemia) naupliar larvae were measured in a laboratory system that mimicked the underwater angular light distribution. Photoresponses were activated by (i) 1 day exposure to menhaden larvae that could and could not feed on brine shrimp nauplii and (ii) water, alone, from which feeding menhaden larvae were removed. Thus, chemical cues activated the photoresponses and predator feeding was not necessary. Since the time course indicated that activation occurred within 5 min, brine shrimp have a phenotypic response to a zooplankton predator. The active molecules are <500 Da in size. © 1993 Oxford University Press.

Duke Scholars

Author Richard B. Forward Marine Science and Conservation

Author Daniel Rittschof Marine Science and Conservation