The electro-receptive foraging behaviour of a benthic elasmobranch, Scyliorhinus canicula

Joel Kimber BSc MSc

Cranfield University

Supervisors: Dr. Andrew Gill, Cranfield University, Dr. David Sims, Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

Abstract: Despite its proven importance in the final moments of prey location and acquisition, its use during predator detection, conspecific location and communication and possibly in aiding navigation relatively little research has been undertaken on electro-receptive behaviour. This thesis aims to address three aspects of electro-receptive foraging behaviour in which our current understanding is limited;
a) The effects of reproductive strategy and sexual segregation upon electro-receptive foraging behaviour.
b) Discriminatory ability and preference between different electric stimuli.
c) Learning, habituation and memory effects upon electro-receptive behaviour.
A benthic elasmobranch, the small spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) is used as a model fish. In addition to increased fundamental knowledge the results also have applied implications. They should improve the ability of coastal zone managers to confront current, growing concerns surrounding elasmobranch population declines and possible interactions between the fish and increasing anthropogenic electric sources.

Web: http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/iesi/ | http://www.mba.ac.uk/

Contact:
Building 37
School of Applied Sciences
Cranfield University
Bedfordshire
MK43 0AL
j.a.kimber@cranfield.ac.uk