AJEMIAN, Matthew J.; SANFORD, Christopher P;; Hofstra University; Hofstra University: Kinematics of prey capture in the chain catshark Scyliorhinus retifer

Modulation of prey capture has been observed in several aquatic vertebrates and may represent a fitness advantage when resources are scarce and varied. However, the presence of modulation in feeding among the elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) has not been extensively studied. The chain catshark (Scyliorhinus retifer) is a member of one of the most well researched groups of elasmobranchs (order: Carcharhiniformes), but this particular species inhabits a deep-sea environment (the Atlantic continental shelf) and its biology is virtually unknown. To understand the feeding biology of the chain catshark we utilized high-speed videography to document the kinematic events during prey capture. Chain catsharks were filmed feeding on two differently sized fish pieces of Atlantic silversides Menidia menidia. A preliminary analysis of feeding events indicates that the chain catshark primarily utilizes suction to capture its prey. Additionally, this shark does not seem to modulate suction based on prey size as no significant differences were found in ram-suction variables. In contrast, statistical analysis of kinematics revealed that neurocranial movements were significantly different based on prey size. We are currently investigating the functional consequence of these differences.