Understanding behavioral responses of fish to pheromones in natural freshwater environments
Journal of Comparative Physiology A
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Abstract
There is an abundance of experimental studies and reviews that describe odorant-mediated behaviors of fish in laboratory microcosms, but research in natural field conditions has received considerably less attention. Fish pheromone studies in laboratory settings can be highly productive and allow for controlled experimental designs; however, laboratory tanks and flumes often cannot replicate all the physical, physiological and social contexts associated with natural environments. Field experiments can be a critical step in affirming and enhancing understanding of laboratory discoveries and often implicate the ecological significance of pheromones employed by fishes. When findings from laboratory experiments have been further tested in field environments, often different and sometimes contradictory conclusions are found. Examples include studies of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) mating pheromones and fish alarm substances. Here, we review field research conducted on fish pheromones and alarm substances, highlighting the following topics: (1) contradictory results obtained in laboratory and field experiments, (2) how environmental context and physiological status influences behavior, (3) challenges and constraints of aquatic field research and (4) innovative techniques and experimental designs that advance understanding of fish chemical ecology through field research.
Suggested Citation
Johnson, N.S., and Li, W., 2010, Understanding behavioral responses of fish to pheromones in natural freshwater environments: Journal of Comparative Physiology A, v. 196, no. 10, p. 701-711, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-010-0523-7.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Understanding behavioral responses of fish to pheromones in natural freshwater environments |
| Series title | Journal of Comparative Physiology A |
| DOI | 10.1007/s00359-010-0523-7 |
| Volume | 196 |
| Issue | 10 |
| Publication Date | March 30, 2010 |
| Year Published | 2010 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Springer |
| Publisher location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Contributing office(s) | Great Lakes Science Center |
| Description | 11 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Comparative Physiology A |
| First page | 701 |
| Last page | 711 |
| Country | United States |