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Evidence for crypsis in coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum), parr: substrate colour preference and achromatic reflectance
Author(s) -
Donnelly W. A.,
Dill L. M.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1984.tb04865.x
Subject(s) - crypsis , achromatic lens , oncorhynchus , reflectivity , biology , substrate (aquarium) , camouflage , fish <actinopterygii> , preference , zoology , fishery , optics , ecology , physics , predation , mathematics , statistics
The crypsis hypothesis of salmonid parr coloration and behaviour is evaluated in light of the criteria for protective resemblance. A review of the literature indicates that salmonid parr coloration and behaviour correspond to a cryptic interpretation. Experiments on coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch , parr substrate colour preference indicate that the behavioural correlate of appropriate background choice is satisfied. Absorption spectrophotometry of diapositives of fish and experimental substrates suggests that background matching is achieved through achromatic reflectance and absorption of wavelengths by the silvery sides and parr marks, respectively.