Distribution of ampullary pores on three catshark species (Apristurus spp.) suggest a vertical-ambush predatory behaviour

Dm Moore,Id Mccarthy

doi:10.3354/ab00599

Abstract

Apristurus is a genus of typically small sharks that inhabit deep waters around the globe. Relatively little is known about the feeding behaviour of these species. Here, the electro - sensory biology of 3 species, A. aphyodes, A. melanoasper and A. microps, was investigated. Intra-specific variation in ampullary pore abundance was high in all species, highlighting the need for studies to examine multiple individuals. Abundance and distribution of ampullary pores on the head indicate that all 3 species are vertical ambush predators.

Highlights

Electroreception in elasmobranchs is thought to facilitate various types of behaviour, including social interaction (Sisneros et al 1998) and navigation (Paulin 1995, Montgomery & Walker 2001)
The distribution of ampullary pores in elasmobranchs has been studied in numerous species (Fishelson & Baranes 1998, Kajiura 2001, Atkinson & Battaro 2006), and there is an increasing interest in mapping ampullary pore distribution as a tool to infer behaviour and ecology (Fishelson & Baranes 1998, Kajiura 2001, Atkinson & Bottaro 2006, Kempster & Collin 2011a,b)
There is a growing need to better understand the ecology of deeper-dwelling species such as Apristurus spp., which are under increasing pressure from both targeted and non-targeted fishing

Summary

Introduction

Electroreception in elasmobranchs is thought to facilitate various types of behaviour, including social interaction (Sisneros et al 1998) and navigation (Paulin 1995, Montgomery & Walker 2001). The distribution of ampullary pores in elasmobranchs has been studied in numerous species (Fishelson & Baranes 1998, Kajiura 2001, Atkinson & Battaro 2006), and there is an increasing interest in mapping ampullary pore distribution as a tool to infer behaviour and ecology (Fishelson & Baranes 1998, Kajiura 2001, Atkinson & Bottaro 2006, Kempster & Collin 2011a,b). We suggest that the ecology of Apristurus spp. may be inferred from ampullary pore distribution, by comparison with species in which their ecology is better studied

Methods

Results

Conclusion