Meeting Abstract
The symbiosis between the Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes) and the bioluminescent, marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri has provided groundbreaking insight into the molecular interface of animal host and bacterial symbiont interactions. However, an in-depth analysis of the influence of V. fischeri on host behavior remains largely unexplored. While previous research suggests that squid rely on light produced by V. fischeri solely as an anti-predatory strategy, it is unknown if the absence of the bacterium affects squids’ foraging behavior and overall survivorship. We hypothesized that the exclusion of Vibrio fischeri from the Hawaiian bobtail squid’s environment negatively affects squid foraging behavior and survival. To test this hypothesis, squid hatchlings were reared in either V. fischeri positive or negative environments. Daily behavioral observations were conducted for the first 1-14 days post-hatching, and then on a weekly basis at 21, 28, 35, and 42 days post-hatching. At 8 weeks post-hatching, colonized and uncolonized squid were tested for learning and memory via the “prawn-in-a-tube” assay. To measure survival the number of surviving hatchlings in each treatment between 1-42 days post-hatching were recorded. Preliminary results demonstrate a significant light-level dependent decrease in Vibrio-free hatchling survival while foraging and cognitive behavior appeared unaffected. This study will enhance our existing knowledge of the organismal-level effects of the squid/Vibrio fischeri symbiosis and provide insight into the diverse ways in which microorganisms play crucial roles in characteristic animal behaviors and survival.
