Learned predator recognition and antipredator responses in fishes

Jennifer Kelley, A.E. Magurran

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    305 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Early research into the causes of geographical variation in antipredator behaviour in fishes revealed that population differences have an underlying genetic basis. However, evidence from a variety-of fish species suggests that learning plays an important role in the development of antipredator responses. Here, we consider the opportunities for learning during the three main stages of a predator-prey interaction: detection, recognition and assessment, and attack avoidance. Much of the evidence for learning is based on the recognition and assessment stage of the predator-prey interaction, but this may reflect methodological biases. We also examine the relative roles of different sensory cues, in particular, vision and olfaction, and the importance of individual vs. social learning. We provide evidence that visual predator recognition skills are largely built on unlearned predispositions, whereas olfactory recognition typically involves experience with conspecific alarm cues. Populations display variation in their propensity to learn, and we predict that ecological factors are likely to mediate the balance between individual and social learning.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)216-226
    JournalFish and Fisheries
    Volume4
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2003

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Learned predator recognition and antipredator responses in fishes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this