The development of feeding behaviour in the lumpfish, Cyclopterus lumpus

Abstract

This study concerned the development of feeding in larval lumpfish, Cyclopterus lumpus, and tested the hypothesis that these large, well‐developed larvae would not use typical ‘larval‐like’ modal action patterns (MAPs) in high frequency during early feeding. The early behavioural repertoire of larvae is unique, owing to a well‐developed, ventral adhesive disk used to adhere (Cling) to available surfaces. Most early feeding MAPs were performed from the Cling position; larvae did not swim in the water column to chase and capture prey during the first three weeks post‐hatch. Changes in feeding were not as predicted. The original hypothesis was refined to include a ‘state of development’ criterion as well as larval size.