The effects of turbidity, prey density and environmental complexity on the feeding of juvenile Murray cod Maccullochella peelii

Juvenile Murray codMaccullochella peeliiexhibited a type II functional response while preyingon blackwormsLumbriculus variegatus, and the parameters of the type II model did not differsignificantly between clear (0 NTU) and turbid (150 NTU) treatments. Further experiments showedthat vision may not be necessary for prey detection and capture by juvenileM. peelii; consumptionof inanimate prey was not significantly different between light and dark (<1×10−4μEm−2s−1)trials. These results imply that the sensory physiology ofM. peeliiis well adapted to a turbidvisual environment. In addition, habitat complexity increased the food consumption rate of juvenileM. peelii, perhaps by relaxing innate predator avoidance behaviours that depress foraging in moreopen environments.

Journal of Fish Biology

Journal of Fish Biology

80

1095-8649

N/A

1

12