Meeting Abstract

P2.70  Monday, Jan. 5  Use of contact points during aquatic and terrestrial locomotion in polypteriform fishes ALUCK, R. J.*; WARD, A. B.; Adelphi University; Adelphi University robertaluck@adelphi.edu

Fishes are found in a variety of habitats: from open water to extremely vegetated areas. Highly elongated fishes are often found in structured habitats and appear to use these structures to propel themselves while swimming. Previous studies have shown that limbless lizards and snakes will use contact points in their environment during locomotion. Research on terrestrial locomotion in American eels Anguilla rostrata indicated that eels will move through a field of pegs by pushing against them. In this study, we tested the effects of structure in the environment during aquatic and terrestrial locomotion using two species of polypteriform fishes, the highly elongated Erpetoichthys calabaricus and its close relative, Polypterus senegalus. This research will determine whether there is a relationship between body elongation and the use of contact points in the environment during locomotion. We examined the use of contact points during locomotion using high-speed video of individuals moving through a field of pegs. We found that P. senegalus avoids contact points during swimming, but will use them for forward propulsion during terrestrial locomotion. E. calabaricus, however, uses contact points for forward propulsion during both aquatic and terrestrial locomotion. This work is part of a larger study to understand the evolution of body elongation in fishes in which we assess the effects of habitat on locomotion. Through this work, we will provide a basis for understanding the interplay between habitat and body shape in fishes.