Abstract

The present study explored, by experiments in aquaria, the modality of senses used by sepioid larvae (Euprymna scolopes) when searching for their species' settlement habitat (Rangiroa, French Polynesia). Our results showed that E. scolopes larvae made active choices among the four habitats tested (living coral, dead coral, macroalgae and sand), and that their selective choice was influenced by presence or absence of conspecifics on the habitat. Sensory experiments showed that E. scolopes larvae differentiated between conspecifics and heterospecifics (and not between their preferred habitat versus the least preferred habitat) using both visual and olfactory cues. Overall, our results suggest species-specific cues may play a vital role in establishment spatial patterns at settlement.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Lecchini D

Institution

Centre IRD Nouméa, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UR 227 CoReUs, Nouméa, New Caledonia. lecchini@univ-perp.fr

Source

Comptes rendus biologies 334:12 2011 Dec pg 911-5

MeSH

Animals
Anthozoa
Cues
Decapodiformes
Ecosystem
Environment, Controlled
Larva
Photic Stimulation
Sensation
Silicon Dioxide
Smell
Species Specificity
Stimulation, Chemical

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22123093