Feeding Responses of Pacific Snappers (genus Lutjanus) to the Yellow-bellied Sea Snake (Pelamis platurus) : Behavior Biology

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Previous studies indicate that Pacific fishes refuse to attack the yellow-bellied sea snake (Pelamis platurus). Visual and non-visual cues are thought to be used to identify this snake. Three species of Pacific snappers - Lutjanus aratus, L. argentiventris, and L. guttatus - were tested for reactions to pieces or extracts of P. platurus. Snappers presented with carcass pieces of a variety of stimulus animals regurgitated P. platurus more than others; one experiment was inconclusive. Snappers presented in darkness with pieces of stimulus animals attached to clips removed fewer P. platurus pieces than those of other species. Pieces of P. platurus skin were regurgitated more frequently, and removed from clips less frequently, than were pieces of skinned carcass or control animals. Large pieces (5.0g) of P. platurus were regurgitated and rejected more often than were small pieces (1.3g). Snappers regurgitated and rejected fish pieces treated with a chloroform: methanol extract of P. platurus more than pieces treated with solvent alone. This study indicates that snappers detect chemicals from this snake.
1988-04-15