Meeting Abstract
Flatfish burial performance varies based on size of the fish and size of the substrate particles. Additionally, species demonstrate preferences for different grain sizes. In this project, flatfish burial experiments were used to determine if preference for sediment particle size corresponds with the ability to achieve full body coverage. We also examined how preference and performance vary with body size. In the preference tests, we introduced Parophrys vetulus individuals representing a large size range to one of four sediment profiles which were arranged in quadrants of a circular tank. Fish show a strong preference for the starting sediment (P=0.000682). However, a slight preference was displayed for the smallest sized sediment (0.125-0.300mm) over the other sizes (0.300-0.589mm, 0.589-0.991mm, and 0.991-2.33mm), after fish had explored the other options (P=0.0366). In the performance tests, we placed the same grain sizes into individual tanks to measure burial performance. Each fish was given a maximum of 15 minutes to bury on one of the four sediments before being transferred to the next, until each fish had the opportunity to attempt burial in each grain size. During the performance trials, fish displayed the ability to completely cover themselves consistently in all but the largest grain size (.991-2.33mm, P=0.000062). In conjunction with one another, the results reveal that Parophrys fish prefer to bury on the smaller sediments when given a choice. However, they often choose to bury using whatever substrate is immediately available. This suggests that a fish would rather bury in an “unfavorable” substrate than seek out a smaller grain size, perhaps because extended periods of time moving around to seek a new habitat would potentially leave them at risk of predation.
