Meeting Abstract

91.5  Monday, Jan. 6 14:30  The multi-functional properties of a cypriniform feeding novelty RADE, CM*; SANFORD, CP; HERNANDEZ, LP; The George Washington University; Hofstra University; The George Washington University cristinarade@gmail.com

The cypriniform palatal organ is a dorsally located, tongue-like muscular mass that spans the buccal roof and has various lateral connections to the branchial elements. It has most often been associated with benthic feeding behaviors. Prior research on carp and goldfish has shown that this taste bud-studded structure produces localized protrusions that selectively sort organic matter from inorganic matter during bottom feeding behaviors. Its possible role in other feeding modes has been largely ignored as the palatal organ is suggested to only function in sorting during benthic feeding events. Using electromyography and high-speed video to examine palatal organ activity in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and goldfish (Carassius auratus), muscle activation patterns demonstrate that the palatal organ is likely employed just prior to suction generation, prey processing events, and may even play a role in respiration during stressful conditions. Furthermore, the palatal organ shows behavioral modulation when different food types are used including attached prey and items offered in the water column. These data suggest that the palatal organ is a multi-functional structure with a wider range of functional repertoires than previously shown. While sorting during benthic feeding may have been the primitive function of the palatal organ, it has likely been secondarily adapted for other feeding behaviors during the course of cypriniform evolution.