On learning and living in holes by mantis shrimp

Abstract

Mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda, Crustacea) that normally occupy holes in coral were presented with novel burrows (Erlenmeyer flasks painted black) in the laboratory. Individuals learn to recognize characteristics of the flask and enter, the burrow increasingly rapidly with repeated exposure to the flask. Individuals show consistently fast or slow learning curves, suggesting individual differences in learning ability. Three to seven days appears to be a critical period during which the stimulus must be re-encountered, or else the response is partially forgotten. However, a partial response remains after 14 days, and subsequent re-exposure to the stimulus is associated with more rapid re-acquisition of the entry behaviour than in naive animals. Field observations support the interpretation that individuals learn characteristics of their burrows and the environment. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship of learning ability to the ritualized behaviour repertoire and to social interactions.