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Embryonic substances induce alarm response in adult zebrafish ( Danio rerio )
Author(s) -
Cao Xiaolong,
Li Weiming
Publication year - 2020
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/jfb.14354
Subject(s) - danio , alarm , biology , zebrafish , zoology , embryo , predation , alarm signal , ecology , toxicology , physiology , fishery , genetics , materials science , composite material , gene
Many aquatic animals rely on chemicals released by injured individuals of the same species to assess predation risk. Among these chemical cues, alarm substances released from the injured skin of ostariophysan fishes have been extensively examined. In most fish species examined, these cues appear to be released by all injured individuals (including larvae, juveniles and adults) and elicit alarm responses in conspecifics. Adult alarm cues also affect development and physiology of embryos. Nonetheless, whether embryos produce alarm cues that affect adults is not known. This study reports that extracts of zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) embryos at 36 h post‐fertilization or later induce antipredator behaviours reminiscent of those induced by skin alarm substances. At an equivalent of 10 −6 g embryo per millilitre, the extract induced bottom‐dwelling and freezing in adults. These behaviours are consistent with those induced by adult alarm substances. This study concludes that zebrafish embryos produce alarm substances.