Meeting Abstract
Larval fish evade predators with the ‘fast start’ escape response. We recently learned that this response can be with executed with three-dimensional trajectories. However, it is unclear whether the 3D motion is used to evade predators. Therefore, we measured the 3D kinematics of larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) as they were preyed upon by adults of the same species. The larvae did execute 3D fast starts and the elevation angle of these maneuvers was greatest for escapes initiated in close proximity, where the lateral line system is capable of detecting the bow wave of the predator. Fast starts beyond this range were presumably initiated in response to visual stimuli and were significantly lower in elevation. These results suggest that the fast start in larval fish is more three-dimensional when triggered by a combination of lateral line and visual stimuli. These results have implication for both the survival strategy of fishes and the neurophysiological control of the fast start.
