Lateralized behavior in the attacks of largemouth bass on Rhinogobius gobies corresponding to their morphological antisymmetry

• DOI: 10.1242/jeb.068155
• Publication Date: 2012-06-21T12:45:22Z
• Authors: Masaki Yasugi; Michio Hori
• Keywords: Antisymmetry; Clockwise

Vertebrates show left-right biases in turning direction, limb usage, predator-escape response and use of sensory organs. In particular, some fishes are known to have lateral predatory behaviors corresponding their morphological antisymmetry. To reveal the effects these laterally biased on predator-prey interaction, we conducted behavioral tests events between largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, freshwater gobies, Rhinogobius sp., both which individuals with a well-developed left side right side. The left-developed bass tended approach goby clockwise from behind, whereas right-developed counterclockwise. Congruently, gobies began escape maneuvers at longer distance when they were approached than counterclockwise, showed reverse tendency. start escape, more subsequent strike or dash was delayed. Under conditions, predation should be successful (right)-developed meets (left)-developed goby, less goby. This prediction consistent difference success our test field data Lake Biwa, Japan. We conclude that direction each type will generate bias different combinations predator prey types, leading maintenance antisymmetric dimorphism through negative frequency-dependent natural selection.