Meeting Abstract

32.11  Tuesday, Jan. 5  Feeding kinematics of three batoid species: Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis sabina), yellow stingray (Urobatis jamaicensis) and clearnose skate (Raja eglanteria). MULVANY, SL*; MOTTA, PJ; Univ. S Florida, Tampa smulvany@mail.usf.edu

Many batoids utilize their body to pin benthic organisms against the substrate during feeding. While this general prey capture technique is well known, it is not known if there are any kinematic differences in prey capture and feeding among different batoids. Nor is it known if batoids are able to modulate feeding behavior with different prey types. This study compares the feeding kinematics of three batoids, Dasyatis sabina, Urobatis jamaicensis and Raja eglanteria, using elusive and non-elusive prey. A series of kinematic variables relating to prey capture and manipulation were quantified. All batoids exhibited a general feeding behavior of swimming over the prey and forming a tent around the prey with their anterior pectoral fin margin, trapping and repositioning the prey between the substrate and the anterior body. Once near the mouth, the animals would use suction and biting to capture and ingest prey. Preliminary results indicate that all species modulate feeding behavior depending upon prey type, with longer durations between capture and ingestion for elusive prey. Live prey are a greater distance from the mouth when batoids attempt bites and more bites are needed to orally capture elusive prey compared to non-elusive prey. R. eglanteria have a shorter bite duration, but take longer time to capture and maneuver prey into the mouth when compared to the other two species. D. sabina have a longer bite duration when compared to U. jamaicensis. The use of the pectoral fins in prey capture and the ability to modulate feeding kinematics allows these batoids to restrain and successfully feed on various prey types.