Feeding kinematics of juvenile swellsharks, Cephaloscyllium ventriosum

1997 ◽  
Vol 200 (8) ◽  
pp. 1255-1269 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Ferry-Graham
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Buccal Cavity ◽  
Video Recording ◽  
Large Prey ◽  
Feeding Behaviors ◽  
Suction Index ◽  
Item Size ◽  
Prey Items ◽  
Cephaloscyllium Ventriosum

To investigate how feeding behaviors change with prey size, high-speed video recording was used to examine the kinematics of prey capture and transport in 1-year-old swellsharks Cephaloscyllium ventriosum (Scyliorhinidae: Carchariniformes) feeding on two differently sized prey items. Prey capture in these sharks generally consisted of an initially ram-dominated capture bite, one or more manipulation bites, a holding phase during which the food was held in the teeth of the shark, and then suction-dominated prey transport. During initial capture and transport, most of the water taken in is forced back out of the mouth anteriorly rather than continuing posteriorly out through the gill openings. Dye experiments in which dye-perfused prey items were ingested by the sharks confirm this observation; distinct jets of colored water were video-taped as they were ejected from the mouth. Very late in prey transport, a bolus of water is ejected through the gill slits; however, by this time, the majority of water appears already to have exited the buccal cavity through the mouth. Such patterns were observed for sharks feeding on both small and large prey items. Although a basic pattern of prey capture and transport was regularly repeated among strikes, kinematic patterns during prey capture and transport were variable both within and among individuals, indicating that prey acquisition is not tightly controlled. However, the amount of variability was similar among prey sizes. In addition, there were no detectable changes in behavior due to prey item size. Ram-suction index values confirmed that similar capture modes were being utilized for both prey sizes.

Effects of prey size and mobility on prey-capture kinematics in leopard sharks triakis semifasciata

1998 ◽  
Vol 201 (16) ◽  
pp. 2433-2444 ◽  
Author(s):  
LA Ferry-Graham
Keyword(s):  
Prey Item ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Live Prey ◽  
Leopard Shark ◽  
Suction Index ◽  
Item Size ◽  
Triakis Semifasciata ◽  
Leopard Sharks ◽  
Prey Items

Recent work on teleosts suggests that attack behaviors or kinematics may be modified by a predator on the basis of the size of the prey or the ability of the prey to sense predators and escape capture (elusivity). Sharks are generally presumed to be highly visual predators; thus, it is reasonable to expect that they might also be capable of such behavioral modulation. In this study, I investigated the effect of prey item size and type on prey-capture behavior in leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) that had been acclimated to feeding in the laboratory. Using high-speed video, sharks were filmed feeding on two sizes of the same prey item (thawed shrimp pieces) and two potentially more elusive prey items (live earthworms and live mud shrimp). In leopard sharks, little effect of prey elusivity was found for kinematic variables during prey capture. However, the large proportion of successful captures of the live prey suggests that they did not prove to be truly elusive prey items for the leopard shark. There were significant size effects on prey-capture kinematics, with the larger non-elusive items inducing greater head expansion during prey capture. Ram-suction index values also indicated that strikes on large, non-elusive prey had a significantly larger suction component than strikes on similar small prey items. This finding is interesting given that the two sizes of non-elusive prey item offered no differential challenge in terms of a performance consequence (reduced capture success).

Use of sonomicrometry demonstrates the link between prey capture kinematics and suction pressure in largemouth bass

2002 ◽  
Vol 205 (22) ◽  
pp. 3445-3457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher P. J. Sanford ◽  
Peter C. Wainwright
Keyword(s):  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Buccal Cavity ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Sampling Rate ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Suction Pressure ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Explosive Expansion

SUMMARYSuction feeding in fishes is the result of a highly coordinated explosive expansion of the buccal cavity that results in a rapid drop in pressure. Prey are drawn into the mouth by a flow of water that is generated by this expansion. At a gross level it is clear that the expansion of the buccal cavity is responsible for the drop in pressure. However, attempts using high-speed video recordings to demonstrate a tight link between prey capture kinematics and suction pressure have met with limited success. In a study with largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, we adopted a new technique for studying kinematics, sonomicrometry, to transduce the movement of skeletal elements of the head during feeding, and synchronized pressure recordings at a sampling rate of 500 Hz. From the positional relationships of six piezoelectric crystals we monitored the internal movements of the buccal cavity and mouth in both mid-sagittal and transverse planes. We found that peak subambient pressure was reached very early in the kinematic expansion of the buccal cavity, occurring at the time when the rate of percentage change in buccal volume was at its peak. Using multiple regression analyses we were consistently able to account for over 90%, and in the best model 99%, of the variation in buccal pressure among strikes using kinematic variables. Sonomicrometry shows great promise as a method for documenting movements of biological structures that are not clearly visible in the external view provided by film and video recordings.

scholarly journals AQUATIC PREY TRANSPORT AND THE COMPARATIVE KINEMATICS OF AMBYSTOMA TIGRINUM FEEDING BEHAVIORS

1994 ◽  
Vol 187 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Gillis ◽  
G Lauder
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Single Species ◽  
The Other ◽  
Ambystoma Tigrinum ◽  
Feeding Behaviors ◽  
Motor Patterns ◽  
Feeding Mechanism ◽  
Feeding Kinematics

Four definable feeding behaviors used during the metamorphic life history of tiger salamanders are terrestrial prey capture and transport (as adults) and aquatic prey capture and transport (as larvae). Previous studies have focused primarily on the first three of these behaviors and thus aquatic prey transport is poorly understood. These studies have indicated that terrestrial prey capture has unique kinematic and motor patterns, whereas the other behaviors are quite similar to one another. Using high-speed video analysis, the kinematics of aquatic prey transport in larval Ambystoma tigrinum are described using both lateral and ventral views. These kinematic patterns are statistically compared with the kinematic patterns of aquatic prey capture, terrestrial prey capture and terrestrial prey transport. Statistical analyses allow us to assess the similarities and differences among the four behaviors and to determine the effect of the metamorphic environmental transition (water to land) and morphological changes of the feeding mechanism (suction- to lingual-based) on feeding kinematics. Our data do not support the notion that lingual-based terrestrial prey capture uses unique kinematic patterns compared with the other three behaviors, which consist of similar movements. Rather, each of the feeding behaviors has unique kinematic features that distinguish it from the others. In addition, variation in tiger salamander feeding kinematics is more a function of the feeding event (whether it is capture or transport) than of the environment in which the feeding takes place or the morphology of the feeding mechanism. Finally, we encourage the use of parsimony-based methods of phylogenetic analysis to analyze shared traits (such as kinematic and/or electromyographic variables) in comparative studies of behavior within a single species.

Do flatfish feed like other fishes? A comparative study of percomorph prey-capture kinematics.

1997 ◽  
Vol 200 (22) ◽  
pp. 2841-2859 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Gibb
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Lepomis Macrochirus ◽  
Experimental Methodology ◽  
Flatfish Species ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Jaw Protrusion ◽  
Suction Index ◽  
Post Hoc

The kinematics of prey capture in two bilaterally asymmetrical pleuronectiform flatfish species (Pleuronichthys verticalis and Xystreurys liolepis) and two symmetrical percomorph species (Lepomis macrochirus, a centrarchid, and Cheilinus digrammus, a labrid) were compared to test the hypothesis that flatfish have distinct prey-capture kinematics from those quantified for other percomorph fishes. Size-matched individuals of both flatfish species were video-taped feeding using a high-speed video system. Cephalic displacement and timing variables were quantified and compared with data from similarly sized L. macrochirus and C. digrammus previously collected by other researchers using similar experimental methodology. Nested multivariate analyses of variance indicated that there was no significant difference in prey-capture kinematics between flatfish and non-flatfish taxa, but that prey-capture kinematics did differ among the four taxa. Multiple nested analyses of variance revealed that the taxa differed in 7 of 11 kinematic variables. Post-hoc tests and comparisons with other fish taxa suggest that individuals of P. verticalis possess an unusual combination of prey-capture kinematics including large hyoid depression, large neurocranial rotation, large upper jaw protrusion and small gape. Previous research has suggested that this combination of traits is associated with suction-based prey capture. Correspondingly, the ram­suction index calculated for P. verticalis is more negative (indicating a greater use of suction) than that calculated for the other taxa. When homologous kinematic variables are compared across these four taxa, flatfish do not appear to have similar prey-capture kinematics. However, both flatfish species are distinct from the two symmetrical percomorph species in their asymmetrical jaw movements.

scholarly journals Ontogeny of feeding morphology and kinematics in juvenile fishes: a case study of the cottid fish Clinocottus analis

1996 ◽  
Vol 199 (9) ◽  
pp. 1961-1971
Author(s):  
A Cook
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Suction Feeding ◽  
Juvenile Period ◽  
Feeding Mode ◽  
Feeding Morphology ◽  
Suction Index ◽  
And Behavior

The development of feeding morphology, kinematics and behavior was examined in the juveniles of the cottid fish Clinocottus analis. The attacks of 18 juvenile C. analis, between 17.59 mm and 42.15 mm in standard length (SL), feeding on brown worms were filmed using high-speed video. Feeding mode, ram- or suction-dominated, kinematic variables and morphology were quantified and compared over the juvenile period. The analysis of these three factors was based on the following questions: (1) do they change over ontogeny; (2) how do their values compare with those of larvae, juveniles and adults of other species; and (3) what is the level of stereotypy, as measured by the variance in these factors, at this stage in ontogeny and does it change? Small C. analis juveniles have the small gape and large buccal cavity of a suction feeder, and this morphology becomes more pronounced as they become larger. The kinematic variables of C. analis juveniles are similar to those of adult suction-feeding cottids and least-squares regression analysis showed significant changes in only two variables (time to prey capture and absolute attack predator­prey distance) over the juvenile period. Feeding mode, as measured by the ram-suction index, shows an increase in the suction component of the strike with increasing size. This study demonstrates that, in C. analis, suction feeding behavior develops during the juvenile period. Within the juvenile stage, morphology, prey-capture kinematics and feeding mode are not tightly linked ontogenetically such that suction-feeder kinematics (short predator­prey distance and low attack velocity) and basic morphology (small gape, large buccal volume) develop much earlier than the employment of a large suction component during the strike.

The mechanics of prey prehension in chameleons

2000 ◽  
Vol 203 (21) ◽  
pp. 3255-3263 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Herrel ◽  
J.J. Meyers ◽  
P. Aerts ◽  
K.C. Nishikawa
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Prey Size ◽  
Nerve Transection ◽  
Surface Phenomena ◽  
High Speed Video ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Tongue Muscles ◽  
Stimulation Experiments ◽  
Prey Items

Iguanian lizards generally use their tongue to capture prey. Because lingual prehension is based on surface phenomena (wet adhesion, interlocking), the maximal prey size that can be captured is small. However, published records show that prey items eaten by chameleons include small vertebrates such as lizards and birds, indicating that these lizards are using a different prey prehension mechanism. Using high-speed video recordings, cineradiography, electromyography, nerve transection and stimulation experiments, we investigated the function of the tongue during prey capture. The results of these experiments indicate that chameleons have modified the primitive iguanian system by including a suction component in their prehension mechanism. Suction is generated by the activity of two modified intrinsic tongue muscles that pull the tongue pad inwards. Moreover, we demonstrate that the mechanism described here is a prerequisite for successful feeding.

scholarly journals Size does matter – Intraspecific variation of feeding mechanics in the crested newt Triturus dobrogicus (Kiritzescu, 1903)

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-85
Author(s):  
Florian Kucera ◽  
Christian J. Beisser ◽  
Patrick Lemell
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Buccal Cavity ◽  
Danube Delta ◽  
Suction Feeding ◽  
Crested Newt ◽  
Feeding Mechanics ◽  
Feeding Process ◽  
Salamander Species

AbstractMany studies have yet been conducted on suction feeding in aquatic salamander species. Within the Salamandridae, the crested newtTriturus dobrogicus(Kiritzescu, 1903), occurring from the Austrian Danube floodplains to the Danube Delta, was not subject of investigations so far. The present study examines the kinematics of aquatic suction feeding in this species by means of high-speed videography. Recordings of five individuals of different size and sex while feeding on bloodworms were conducted, in order to identify potential discrepancies among individuals and sizes. Five coordinate points were digitized from recordings of prey capture and twelve time- and velocity-determined variables were evaluated. All specimens follow a typical inertial suction feeding process, where rapid hyoid depression expands the buccal cavity. Generated negative pressure within the buccal cavity causes influx of water along with the prey item into the mouth. Results demonstrate higher distance values and angles for gape in individuals with smaller size. In addition, hyoid depression is maximized in smaller individuals. WhileTriturus dobrogicusresembles a typical inertial suction feeder in its functional morphology, intraspecific differences could be found regarding the correlation of different feeding patterns and body size.

scholarly journals Prey Capturing Dynamics and Nanomechanically Graded Cutting Apparatus of Dragonfly Nymph

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 559
Author(s):  
Lakshminath Kundanati ◽  
Prashant Das ◽  
Nicola M. Pugno
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
High Speed Photography ◽  
Sensory Organs ◽  
Dragonfly Nymph ◽  
Drag Forces ◽  
Predatory Insects ◽  
Dragonfly Nymphs

Aquatic predatory insects, like the nymphs of a dragonfly, use rapid movements to catch their prey and it presents challenges in terms of movements due to drag forces. Dragonfly nymphs are known to be voracious predators with structures and movements that are yet to be fully understood. Thus, we examine two main mouthparts of the dragonfly nymph (Libellulidae: Insecta: Odonata) that are used in prey capturing and cutting the prey. To observe and analyze the preying mechanism under water, we used high-speed photography and, electron microscopy. The morphological details suggest that the prey-capturing labium is a complex grasping mechanism with additional sensory organs that serve some functionality. The time taken for the protraction and retraction of labium during prey capture was estimated to be 187 ± 54 ms, suggesting that these nymphs have a rapid prey mechanism. The Young’s modulus and hardness of the mandibles were estimated to be 9.1 ± 1.9 GPa and 0.85 ± 0.13 GPa, respectively. Such mechanical properties of the mandibles make them hard tools that can cut into the exoskeleton of the prey and also resistant to wear. Thus, studying such mechanisms with their sensory capabilities provides a unique opportunity to design and develop bioinspired underwater deployable mechanisms.

Kinematics of Tongue Projection in Chamaeleo Oustaleti

1991 ◽  
Vol 159 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
PETER C. WAINWRIGHT ◽  
DAVID M. KRAKLAU ◽  
ALBERT F. BENNETT
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Maximum Velocity ◽  
Head Movements ◽  
Florida State University ◽  
State University ◽  
Maximum Acceleration ◽  
Related Family ◽  
High Speed Cinematography ◽  
Tongue Movements

The kinematics of prey capture by the chamaeleonid lizard Chamaeleo oustaleti were studied using high-speed cinematography. Three feeding sequences from each of two individuals were analyzed for strike distances of 20 and 35 cm, at 30°C. Ten distances and angles were measured from sequential frames beginning approximately 0.5 s prior to tongue projection and continuing for about 1.0 s. Sixteen additional variables, documenting maximum excursions and the timing of events, were calculated from the kinematic profiles. Quantified descriptions of head, hyoid and tongue movements are presented. Previously unrecognized rapid protraction of the hyobranchial skeleton simultaneously with the onset of tongue projection was documented and it is proposed that this assists the accelerator muscle in powering tongue projection. Acceleration of the tongue occurred in about 20ms, reaching a maximum acceleration of 486 m s−2 and maximum velocity of 5.8m s−1 in 35 cm strikes. Deceleration of the tongue usually began within 5 ms before prey contract and the direction of tongue movement was reversed within 10 ms of prey contact. Retraction of the tongue, caused by shortening of the retractor muscles, reached a maximum velocity of 2.99 ms−1 and was complete 330 ms after prey contact. Projection distance influences many aspects of prey capture kinematics, particularly projection time, tongue retraction time and the extent of gape and head movements during tongue retraction, all of which are smaller in shorter feedings. Though several features of the chameleon strike have apparently been retained from lizards not capable of ballistic tongue projection, key differences are documented. Unlike members of a related family, the Agamidae, C. oustaleti uses no body lunge during prey capture, exhibits gape reduction during tongue projection and strongly depresses the head and jaws during tongue retraction. Note: Present address: Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.

Functional implications of supercontracting muscle in the chameleon tongue retractors

2001 ◽  
Vol 204 (21) ◽  
pp. 3621-3627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Herrel ◽  
Jay J. Meyers ◽  
Peter Aerts ◽  
Kiisa C. Nishikawa
Keyword(s):  
Prey Capture ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Force Production ◽  
Retractor Muscle ◽  
Muscle Physiology ◽  
Large Prey ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ambush Predators ◽  
Full Body

SUMMARYChameleons capture prey items using a ballistic tongue projection mechanism that is unique among lizards. During prey capture, the tongue can be projected up to two full body lengths and may extend up to 600 % of its resting length. Being ambush predators, chameleons eat infrequently and take relatively large prey. The extreme tongue elongation (sixfold) and the need to be able to retract fairly heavy prey at any given distance from the mouth are likely to place constraints on the tongue retractor muscles. The data examined here show that in vivo retractor force production is almost constant for a wide range of projection distances. An examination of muscle physiology and of the ultrastructure of the tongue retractor muscle shows that this is the result (i) of active hyoid retraction, (ii) of large muscle filament overlap at maximal tongue extension and (iii) of the supercontractile properties of the tongue retractor muscles. We suggest that the chameleon tongue retractor muscles may have evolved supercontractile properties to enable a substantial force to be produced over a wide range of tongue projection distances. This enables chameleons successfully to retract even large prey from a variety of distances in their complex three-dimensional habitat.

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